DDPM: 3.6 magnitude in Chiang Rai not affects Mae Suai Dam’s structure

 

BANGKOK, 7 August 2017 (NNT) - The Director General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has confirmed that the 3.6 magnitude earthquake in Chiang Rai poses no immediate risk to the structure of Mae Suai Dam. 

After reports of a 3.6 magnitude earthquake in Chiang Rai, DDPM Director General Chatchai Promlert ordered his department to coordinate with the Royal Irrigation Department, responsible for the Mae Suai Dam, to check the dam's integrity. Reports confirmed that Mae Suai dam remains fully intact, as the dam has a strong structure that can withstand damage from a level 7 magnitude earthquakes. 

However, the DDPM has instructed provinces in risk areas and relevant agencies to carry out the procedures of disaster management and prepare officials from all sectors to implement the response plan to help victims in a timely manner. 

The National Disaster Warning Center, the Earthquake Monitoring Bureau, the Meteorological Department and the Department of Mineral Resources are jointly monitoring the earthquake closely.

 

-- nnt 2017-08-07

What is interesting is that they haven't let that dam fill up since the Mae Lao earthquake 4 years ago. Despite having an extended rainy season last year. They're keeping it 20 meters lower than before the quake. Right now it is about as high as I have seen it in the last few years. So we will see if they trust the dam enough to fill the reservoir again.