Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has scheduled a meeting on Monday (Aug 5) with officials from relevant agencies to discuss water management plans following continuous downpours that have affected areas in 11 provinces.
Heavy rains, influenced by the La Niña weather phenomenon, have been hitting several provinces in the North and Northeast regions since July 30 and are expected to continue until Aug 4. The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has been closely monitoring the situation and has instructed mid-sized reservoirs to gradually discharge water to accommodate the additional rainfall. To mitigate the impact of potential flash floods, the department has prepared water pumps and other flood relief equipment in high-risk areas.
Initial surveys conducted by the RID revealed significant flooding in the following provinces: Maha Sarakham, with 3,050 rai of land (488 hectares) in 2 districts; Roi Et, with 7,080 rai in 3 districts; Kalasin, with 7,400 rai in 2 districts; Yasothon, with 1,922 rai in 1 district; Ubon Ratchathani, with 150 rai in 1 district; Prachin Buri, with 1 district; Chanthaburi, with 4 districts; Trat, with 1 district; Chachoengsao, with 1 district; Nakhon Nayok, with 1 district; and Ayutthaya, with 1 district.
Currently, large and medium reservoirs in Thailand are at approximately 55% capacity, holding 42.19 billion cubic meters of water and able to receive an additional 34.14 billion cubic meters. The four major dams in the Chao Phraya River Basin—Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwai Noi Bumrung Dan, and Pa Sak Jolasid—are at 41% capacity, holding 10.13 billion cubic meters and able to receive about 14.73 billion cubic meters more. (NNT)
