Hat yai: Authorities are urgently inspecting the damaged retaining wall along Khlong R.1 canal following the flooding. The Songkhla Irrigation Project is urgently surveying damaged retaining walls along Canal R.1 following flooding and planning restoration efforts to cope with the rainy season. Machinery will be brought into the area next week to repair and prevent further collapse, aiming to reassure the public. The project will also push for government funding to address the problem in the long term.
According to Thai News Agency, the aftermath of the Hat Yai floods at the end of 2025 has left damage to the retaining walls of Canal R.1 in several areas, causing concern among residents along the canal, particularly in Moo 2, Tha Chang Subdistrict, Bang Klam District, Songkhla Province. Many are questioning the Songkhla Irrigation Project's plans to address this issue during this year's rainy season.
Today, a news team from the Songkhla Provincial Public Relations Office, along with officials from the Songkhla Irrigation Project, Irrigation Office Region 16, and the Mechanical Engineering Division of the Royal Irrigation Department, inspected the drainage system and assessed the damage to the embankment of Canal R.1 in Moo 2, Tha Chang Subdistrict, Bang Klam District, Songkhla Province. The embankment was damaged by flooding because it exceeded its designed capacity to handle the volume of water. The strong current eroded the concrete structure along the canal bank, causing it to crack. The water also eroded the foundation in some areas, creating cavities. The road along the canal has collapsed along its entire length, making it impassable for villagers' vehicles.
Mr. Surasak Thongpankaew, Head of Water Supply and Maintenance Division 6 and representative of the Songkhla Irrigation Project Director, revealed that the R.1 drainage canal, approximately 21 kilometers long, serves as the main route for draining water from upstream areas into Songkhla Lake. During the recent floods, the water flow exceeded the canal's designed capacity by almost 40 percent, resulting in severe damage in several areas. Surveys indicate that approximately 11 kilometers of the canal suffered significant damage, particularly cracking and subsidence of concrete retaining walls due to water pressure. Additionally, erosion of the embankment and riverbanks was found along another 14 kilometers of the canal, requiring close monitoring. The most concerning area currently is the cracked and subsided concrete retaining wall, which, if heavily rained or with increased water flow, could significantly impact its structural integrity and the surrounding area.
Initially, the Songkhla Irrigation Project, Irrigation Office Region 16, along with the machinery division, has surveyed the damaged area in detail and is preparing preliminary measures. These include reinforcing embankments, compacting retaining walls, and improving the canal banks at vulnerable points to prevent further damage during the upcoming rainy season.
Furthermore, in the long term, the Songkhla Irrigation Project has already submitted a budget proposal for restoration to the central government. It is understood that the proposal is currently awaiting consideration by the Cabinet for urgent budget approval. The Songkhla Irrigation Project confirms its full commitment to pushing forward the "R.1 Drainage Canal Restoration Project," confident that the government recognizes its importance and has a clear objective to provide budgetary support to solve the flooding problem for the people of Hat Yai.
Mr. Poolsak Wongsuwan, Head of the Earthmoving Construction Machinery Division 8, Machinery Management Section 8, Machinery Bureau, Royal Irrigation Department, added that they have been continuously monitoring the water situation and coordinating with local agencies to prepare for potential heavy rainfall. Following today's survey, they will return to the area next week to bring in personnel and machinery from the Royal Irrigation Department to carry out urgent repairs to damaged sections of the embankment to prevent further collapse. The Royal Irrigation Department is not complacent and will expedite operations according to plan to alleviate hardship and restore confidence among the affected population.