Adapt to Live, Know to Survive with TEI

"Rain Bomb" is a phenomenon currently striking fear across the globe. It is a disaster born of extreme weather volatility, likened to a "Tsunami from the Sky," which has become noticeably more intense, frequent, and unpredictable.

Shocking Figures! Data from the National Hydroinformatics Data Center (NHC), the Meteorological Department, and the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) reveals that rainfall in Thailand over the past 3 years (2023–2025) has shown a continuous upward trend.

• 2023: 1,408 mm

• 2024: 1,545 mm

• 2025: Surged to 1,711 mm (data as of Sept 30), exceeding existing drainage capacities.

What is a Rain Bomb, and what causes it?

A Rain Bomb is a phenomenon where rain does not fall continuously according to the seasons we are used to, but instead "dumps" down frantically all at once. This is a shocking consequence of Climate Change or "Global Boiling," which causes the atmosphere to hold higher humidity and increased water mass. When this massive volume of water falls, it is far more severe than normal.

Dr. Panu Traiwetch, Assistant Professor at the Department of Earth Science, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, explains that technically, a Rain Bomb is officially known as a Downdraft or Microburst. This refers to a column of sinking air that hits the ground violently and spreads out from the center horizontally.

How does a Rain Bomb affect us?

The severity of a Rain Bomb lies in the massive volume of rain (potentially reaching 200–400 millimeters) falling in just a few hours. This results in flash floods, landslides, and forest runoff. The most dangerous aspect is that it is difficult to forecast in advance, making it hard for people in the area to prepare.

Real-World Impacts

In Thailand: We have seen clear examples from flash flood events in the North (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai) and the South (Chumphon, Ranong, etc.) in 2024, affecting over 43,595 households. This includes acute urban flooding in cities like Chiang Mai and Bangkok, where drainage systems could not cope in time, causing significant damage to property and traffic. Data from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation shows that in 2024, there were 34,881 flood incidents and 310 landslides, reflecting the alarming increase in frequency and severity of disasters caused by Rain Bombs.

Globally: The Valencia region of Spain recently faced its most severe flooding in 50 years, resulting in over 65 deaths. Meanwhile, the Climate Risk Index 2025 confirms that extreme weather disasters (especially floods) have affected over 765,000 people globally (between 1993–2022) and caused massive loss of life and economic damage.

It is time to "Adapt to Live, Know to Survive" from Rain Bombs: Disasters of the Global Boiling Era

The Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) recognizes the problem of "Rain Bombs" as a warning signal that "old rainfall patterns have ended." We all need to understand the risks coming from the sky. Our only way out is "Adaptation" or Climate Adaptation to live with the impending extreme weather fluctuations that may cause severe damage. TEI is dedicated to communicating Climate Adaptation issues for the public interest.

TEI recommends adaptation guidelines at the Individual, City, and National levels to stay ahead of Rain Bomb risks:

• Stay Informed: Closely monitor news, disaster warnings, and weather forecasts from the Meteorological Department to prepare for sudden heavy rain and floods.

• Prepare Equipment: Have a plan and equipment for flood protection, such as flood barriers for the home, sandbags, and automatic power cut-off systems.

• Avoid Risks: Stay away from large trees, billboards, or structures that might collapse during strong winds and heavy rain.

• Recognize Warning Signs: Understand the early signs of a Rain Bomb, such as hot, muggy weather followed by large storm clouds and a sudden blast of cool wind, so you can seek shelter immediately.

• Drainage Systems: Develop plans to upgrade urban and community drainage systems to handle heavy rain over short periods, such as retention ponds and large drainage pipes.

• Green Infrastructure: Promote the use of Green Infrastructure, such as parks, water absorption areas, and green roofs, to reduce surface runoff into drainage pipes.

• Response Plans: Create response plans and train citizens in flash flood-prone areas to be ready to cope and minimize damage when events occur.

• Collaboration: Foster public-private partnerships in sustainable water management and global warming reduction projects.

• Policy & Planning: Develop and improve water management policies and comprehensive town planning that accommodates climate change, such as controlling land use in flood-prone areas.

• Early Warning: Promote cooperation between agencies for high-precision surveillance and early warning systems.

• R&D: Support research and development of technology for weather forecasting, heavy rain detection, and modern warning systems.

• Carbon Reduction: Push for policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement national and regional measures to prevent global warming, adhering to sustainable development principles.

The Thailand Environment Institute (TEI) emphasizes that coping with Rain Bombs in an era of extreme climate change is not a choice, but a means of survival.