Hat yai: The water level in Khlong Utapao, located in Hat Yai District, has decreased by more than one meter and is projected to align with the riverbank by tomorrow.
According to Thai News Agency, the Royal Irrigation Department highlighted that the water level in the U-Tapao Canal within Hat Yai Municipality has receded by a meter. This reduction has prompted several agencies to deploy and install water pumps to accelerate drainage efforts. Officials reassured the public that there is no immediate threat of flooding from the overflow of the Kho Hong Municipality’s water retention basin, as the volume of water reaching Hat Yai Municipality remains manageable.
The Director of the Office of Water Management and Hydrology, Royal Irrigation Department, Thanet Somboon, explained that the U-Tapao Canal has experienced a steady decline in water levels. After reaching a peak yesterday at 11:00 a.m., the levels have dropped from 9.97 meters to 8.82 meters as of this morning. Thanet anticipates that the water will reach the bank level by tomorrow morning. However, the installation of water pumps is contingent on the water level falling below the drainage pipe mouth, expected by November 28th. If there is no further rainfall, the water situation in Hat Yai District is expected to stabilize within the week.
There have been concerns regarding the overflow from the water retention basin in Kohong Municipality, which was feared to bring significant water flow into Hat Yai. Authorities clarified that the overflow does not pose a substantial threat. The water is flowing through Khlong R. 1, an irrigation drainage canal, and is expected to recede gradually, although residents are advised to be cautious of strong currents.
The Meteorological Department has forecasted a reduction in rainfall, with Tropical Storm Koto not anticipated to increase rain in the South, marking an opportune time for water drainage. The Royal Irrigation Department continues to monitor rainfall and runoff conditions around the clock, aiming to expedite water drainage and minimize any potential impact.