Bangkok:Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the Royal Irrigation Department has decreased the water discharge from the Chao Phraya Dam to 700 cubic meters per second. This reduction aims to lower water levels in the Chao Phraya River, facilitating the pumping of floodwaters and allowing farmers to resume cultivation.
According to Thai News Agency, the decrease in discharge from 800 to 700 cubic meters per second was achieved by 600 AM on October 30th and is intended to prevent the river from overflowing its banks. This measure helps in receding water levels in low-lying areas, enabling efficient pumping of remaining floodwaters back into the river.
The Royal Irrigation Department, led by Director-General Witthaya Kaewmee, has been tasked with deploying water pumps and machinery to expedite water drainage from affected areas. This initiative is crucial for relieving public distress and preparing fields for the next planting season. Additionally, some water will be retained for agricultural purposes.
The department is also closely monitoring rainfall and water levels nationwide, especially in the South, where heavy rainfall has begun to ease. In Prachuap Khiri Khan, 143 millimeters of rain was recorded at Ban Sai Khu station, while Phuket registered 124 millimeters at the Saphan Damrong station.
The Meteorological Department has reported a decrease in heavy rainfall in the South due to a low-pressure system moving into the Andaman Sea. However, light to moderate rain persists, and further rainfall is expected after November 5th. In upper Thailand, rainfall has decreased, with cooler temperatures anticipated after November 6th. Currently, there are no signs of tropical cyclones approaching Thailand.