Reservoir overflow in Thailand: Alert for potential downstream flooding

[webfact]

 

A recent alert has been issued by the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) on the sudden rise of water levels in nine significant reservoirs. The ONWR revealed that these reservoirs are brimming with excess water that needs to be discharged swiftly. The reservoir overflow could potentially impact downstream areas in the coming days.

 

The ONWR has been vigilantly observing the nation’s water condition amidst an ongoing monsoon trough. This weather event, predominantly affecting the north and northeast, has been causing heavy rainfall in these regions. Consequently, a surge of run-off into river basins and reservoirs is expected from today till tomorrow. This sudden influx may necessitate a rapid discharge of surplus water from the reservoirs starting tomorrow until the following Wednesday.

 

The nine reservoirs that have reached their capacity, referred to as their upper rule curve, include Mae Ngat Sombun Chon Reservoir in Chiang Mai, Kiew Lom Reservoir and Mae Mok Reservoir in Lampang, Huai Luang Reservoir in Udon Thani, Nam Phung Reservoir and Nong Han Reservoir in Sakon Nakhon, Ubonrat Reservoir in Khon Kaen, Lam Pao Reservoir in Kalasin, and Khun Dan Prakan Chon Reservoir in Nakhon Nayok.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo: Sunthorn Pongpao/Bangkok Post

 

Full story: The Thaiger 2023-10-11

 

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[Crossy]

Here we go, I'll get Madam to order sandbags!

 

[2baht]

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

Here we go, I'll get Madam to order sandbags!

 

Good luck Crossy, I remember your photos from previous floods. 

[hotchilli]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The ONWR has been vigilantly observing the nation’s water condition amidst an ongoing monsoon trough. This weather event, predominantly affecting the north and northeast, has been causing heavy rainfall in these regions. Consequently, a surge of run-off into river basins and reservoirs is expected from today till tomorrow. This sudden influx may necessitate a rapid discharge of surplus water from the reservoirs starting tomorrow until the following Wednesday.

One might say not vigilant enough?

[Crossy]

17 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

One might say not vigilant enough?

 

Indeed, how does the level in a reservoir rise "suddenly"? They could have predicted the rain and started releasing in preparation.

 

If ever there was a job for AI then this is it, but the Thais wouldn't believe it of course.

[retarius]

If ever there was a job for saving money by closing down useless institutions then closing down ONWR is it.

[AgMech Cowboy]

Kind of reminds me of 2011. Elected a new Pheu Thai government, everybody too busy getting there blessings (or hopeful blessings) laid upon them, kissing the feet, etc. No one does there job and pays attention to the height of water in the reservoirs.  I hope all of a sudden we don't get hit with 3 (or more) typhoons coming across Vietnam and Laos/Cambodia in the next 2 months.