Rayong:The Royal Irrigation Department has successfully completed temporary repairs to the spillway at the Khlong Ra-ok Reservoir, also known as Khao Chuk Reservoir, in Rayong province. As a result, water levels have receded, and the reservoir is no longer overflowing. The earthen dike remains stable despite recent heavy rainfall that caused the water level to exceed its storage capacity, leading to erosion in the area.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sarawut Nueangchamnong, Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, reported receiving updates from Mr. Witthaya Kaewmee, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department. The updates confirmed that temporary repairs to the spillway's side wall have been completed, and the department continues to monitor the water level and the irrigation system's structural integrity.
On September 28, continuous rainfall caused the water volume in the reservoir to reach approximately 22 million cubic meters, or 112% of its storage capacity, before rising further throughout the day. This overflow at the spillway structure resulted in soil erosion along the sides, damaging the concrete walls. However, the main structure of the earthen dike remained stable.
The Royal Irrigation Department mobilized machinery, equipment, and materials to the site to reduce the force of the water current. They implemented measures such as driving sheet piles into the ground and using large rocks to reinforce damaged areas before completing temporary repairs. Efforts were also made to lower the water level by opening the river outlet for increased discharge and draining water through the spillway.
The Khlong Ra-ok Reservoir, situated in the Thung Khwai Kin Subdistrict, Klaeng District, Rayong Province, is a zoned earth embankment dam. It was constructed between 1988 and 1992, with its height increased in 2006. The dam is 220 meters long and 20.50 meters high, with a storage capacity of 19.65 million cubic meters and a maximum water volume of 24 million cubic meters. Future reinforcement of the spillway may involve using gabions to strengthen and prevent erosion.