Impact from Tropical Storm Conson results in higher level of water in dams

BANGKOK (NNT) -- Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Teera Wongsamut indicated that the impact of the tropical storm Conson resulted in higher level of water in several dams. Rice farmers are however asked to start their in-season rice planting in early August.

Following the recent strike of tropical storm Conson in Nan province, the quantity of water flowing into the Sirikit Dam during 17-21 July 2010 totaled 173 million cubic meters, making up a reserve water in the dam at 469 million cubic meters. Inflow water into Khwae Noi Dam in Phitsanulok province amounted to 17 million cubic meters, resulting in a total usable water of 129 million cubic meters in the dam. Total water quantity in other large and moderate-sized dames as of 21 July 2010 was 33,052 million cubic meters or 45% of overall dams’ capacity, while those dams were still monitored continuously for their water situation.

Mr Teera stated that following the forecast of the Meteorological Department on little rainfall and intermittent rains in the season as well as the lack of rain during July, the water level in the Bhumipol and Sirikit dams was low and could not support in-season rice farming in July. Farmers in 22 provinces who depend on water supplies from the two dams are therefore asked to postpone their rice farming to early August instead to avoid any damages from insufficient water supply.

Twenty –two provinces as mentioned include Tak, Kampaeng Phet, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Chainat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao, Samut Sakhon, Samut Prakan, and Bangkok.

-- NNT 2010-07-22

100mm in two hours in Hong Kong yesterday, so there's more coming down to the good folks in Thailand and it's tax free.