Report NWRO Readies Sirikit Dam to Prevent Flash Floods

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Thailand braces for significant rainfall as the National Water Resources Office (NWRO) calls an emergency meeting to mitigate potential flash floods, from August 14 to 18.

 

Forecasters at the Meteorological Department and the Hydro-Informatics Institute predict ongoing rainfall, with particularly heavy downpours expected in the upper North, upper Northeast, East, and South of Thailand. In response, the NWRO has cautioned these regions to prepare for flash floods, landslides, and increased water levels in the Chao Phraya River from August 15-17.

 

The emergency meeting focused on managing the water levels in the Chao Phraya Basin effectively to counter the impending weather conditions. Key strategies include:

 

1. Floodplain Storage:

• Bang Rakam Floodplain: Positioned to start water intake from August 15.
• 10 Central Region Floodplains: Prepared to absorb excess water by September 15.

 

2. Dam Operations:

• Sirikit Dam: Currently at 83% capacity with 7,911 million cubic metres of water. The decision was taken to maintain a daily discharge of 55 million cubic metres until September 2, allowing for increased capacity to handle the anticipated inflow.
• Lower Dams: Plans are underway for a coordinated water release from Phajuk, Naresuan, and Chao Phraya dams to manage flow without impacting downstream areas, all while prioritising dam safety.
• Low-Water Dams: The Lam Takhong Dam, facing potential low levels by November, will reduce discharge to conserve supply for the dry season.

 

To support these measures, the NWRO requested that the Meteorological Department and Hydro-Informatics Institute provide seven-day rainfall forecasts, updated daily. This will aid in making timely water management decisions, ensuring that flood risks are minimised while maximising water storage for the dry season.

 

This proactive approach highlights Thailand's commitment to balancing immediate flood prevention with long-term water security. By leveraging strategic dam operations and floodplain storage, the NWRO aims to mitigate the impact of natural disasters while safeguarding future water supplies. With continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies, Thailand is prepared to face the challenges posed by this week’s adverse weather.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-08-15