Bangkok: Thammanat, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has assured the public that the Royal Irrigation Department is fully prepared to handle the impending Tropical Storm Kalmaegi, which is expected to bring increased rainfall to Thailand between November 7th and 9th.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister Thammanat Prompao emphasized that measures are in place to prevent severe flooding. He has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to manage water levels efficiently by reducing them in advance and ensuring the timely release of water to the sea. The department is actively discharging water from key dams to accommodate the anticipated rainfall.

Thammanat revealed that the Royal Irrigation Department is expediting the discharge of water into the Gulf of Thailand and maintaining a controlled discharge rate at the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province at 2,700 cubic meters per second. He reassured that the water situation in the lower Chao Phraya Basin is under control, with no severe flooding expected.

Recent heavy rains from November 2nd to 4th in the upper river basin areas, including Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet, have resulted in increased water flow into the Ping River. The Royal Irrigation Department is utilizing upper reservoirs to store and delay water flow into the lower Chao Phraya Basin. Despite this, heavy rains have caused the Ping River to rise and merge with other rivers, affecting water levels above the Chao Phraya Dam.

To mitigate this, the Royal Irrigation Department is effectively managing water by directing it into eastern and western irrigation systems, operating water pumps, and using pushers to expedite the release of excess water into the Gulf of Thailand. The department is also coordinating with relevant agencies to adjust drainage plans in response to rainfall and runoff levels, ensuring minimal impact on the public. Residents in the lower Chao Phraya Basin, including Bangkok and its vicinity, can be assured that the current water situation remains manageable.