Samsen:The Royal Irrigation Department is accelerating its water management strategies in anticipation of expected rainfall from October 5-11.
According to Thai News Agency, the department, in coordination with the Meteorological Department and the Water Resources Informatics Institute, held a meeting at the Smart Water Operations Center in Samsen. The meeting, led by Deputy Director-General Woraphot Phetnorachart, was also broadcast to Irrigation Offices 1-17 to discuss tailored water management plans for specific areas. This initiative comes as a response to heavy rainfall over the past week, which led to flooding in several locations.
Woraphot emphasized that the department is actively monitoring and managing water resources while offering continuous assistance to those affected, following directives from the Prime Minister and the Ministers of Interior and Agriculture. Plans are underway to address the increased rainfall predicted by the Meteorological Department, aiming to mitigate potential flooding impacts.
In the Chao Phraya River basin, the water flow at station C.2 in Nakhon Sawan was recorded at 2,038 cubic meters per second and decreasing. The department is managing water releases through the Chao Phraya Dam at 2,500 cubic meters per second to reduce upstream water volume and prepare for additional rainfall. Adjustments will be made as necessary to minimize downstream impacts.
Similarly, in the Pa Sak River basin, the Pa Sak Chonlasit Dam has increased its discharge to 500 cubic meters per second to accommodate full reservoir capacity. The Rama VI Dam is adjusting its discharge to align with upstream water flow, aiming to control water levels in the lower Chao Phraya River basin.
Eastern regions, including seven provinces such as Nakhon Nayok and Chachoengsao, are experiencing flooding. The department is employing reservoirs, irrigation structures, and additional equipment to expedite water drainage.
The Deputy Director-General noted that although some areas are seeing improvements, volatile weather with thunderstorms and heavy rainfall is expected across various parts of Thailand from October 5-11. Irrigation projects nationwide are instructed to closely monitor conditions and adjust water management practices to ensure dam safety and operational readiness.
For regions still affected by flooding, the department pledges to expedite assistance and drainage efforts until normal conditions resume. The public is advised to stay informed on water situation updates and heed government warnings to respond effectively to any changes.