Bangkok:The Royal Irrigation Department is taking measures to reduce water discharge from the Chao Phraya and Khun Dan Prakan Chon dams to lessen downstream impacts.
According to Thai News Agency, the Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, Mr. Witthaya Kaewmee, announced a reduction in water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam from 2,500 to 2,400 cubic meters per second after observing a decrease in upstream water levels. The Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam has also decreased its water release.
As of 6:00 AM on October 7th, the water flow through station C.2 in Nakhon Sawan Province was 1,915 cubic meters per second and showed a decreasing trend. The Sakae Krang River at station Ct.19 in Uthai Thani Province was flowing at 52 cubic meters per second, also decreasing. The water level upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam was recorded at +16.38 meters above mean sea level.
The Royal Irrigation Department began gradually reducing the water discharge downstream of the Chao Phraya Dam starting at 8:00 AM, with water flow decreasing by approximately 20 cubic meters per second until it reached 2,400 cubic meters per second by 1:00 PM. This discharge rate will be maintained continuously, with adjustments in water intake into irrigation systems on both banks to manage upstream water levels. The department will closely monitor the upstream water volume and rainfall conditions.
In the upper Chao Phraya basin, the department is utilizing the Bang Rakam flood plain to help retain water in the Yom River basin, aiming to reduce water flow into lower areas and manage the system's water volume to adapt to current conditions.
For Khun Dan Prakan Chon Dam in Nakhon Nayok Province, the reservoir held 215.59 million cubic meters of water, or 96% of its capacity, as of 7:00 AM. The water level was at 108.63 meters above mean sea level. The water level in the Nakhon Nayok River at Khao Nang Buach Bridge remains 2.90 meters below the riverbank. Since 8:00 AM, water discharge through the spillway has been reduced by adjusting the gate opening from 25 centimeters to 20 centimeters to minimize downstream impact. Reservoir management is ongoing to accommodate potential rainfall increases between October 10-14.
The department is also accelerating water drainage in Pathum Thani Province, especially in Rangsit Municipality, by deploying Hydro Flow machines at key locations to lower water levels in the Rangsit Prayursak Canal and drain it into the Chao Phraya River. Assistance is being provided to flood-affected areas in Nonthaburi Province with the deployment of machinery, pumps, and personnel to reinforce high-risk areas.
Additionally, efforts are being made in the eastern region to expedite water drainage from the Prachinburi and Nakhon Nayok rivers into the Bang Pakong River, with 28 water pumps deployed to enhance drainage efficiency into the sea.
Nationwide, the Royal Irrigation Department has mobilized approximately 786 units of water pumps, water propulsion equipment, trucks, and other machinery to support disaster-stricken and high-risk areas. Preparations are underway in the South to swiftly assist the public if the situation changes.