Chai Nat:The Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department has mandated a significant increase in water diversion from the Chao Phraya Dam to both eastern and western irrigation systems upstream. This action aims to manage the water discharge rate through the dam, maintaining it at 1,750 cubic meters per second to mitigate downstream impacts, particularly in light of rising water levels in Nakhon Sawan. Continuous monitoring of rainfall in the central region is also a priority.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Witthaya Kaewmee, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, personally inspected the water situation at the Chao Phraya Dam and directed the enhanced diversion efforts. As of September 25th, the eastern and western sides of the dam are receiving approximately 242 and 269 cubic meters per second, respectively, totaling around 511 cubic meters per second. This measure is designed to control the flow into the dam and reduce the downstream discharge, maintaining it at the target rate to protect low-lying areas outside flood embankments.
Upstream, at station C.2 in Nakhon Sawan province, water flow has increased to 1,795 cubic meters per second, slightly up from the previous day's 1,777 cubic meters per second. The Chao Phraya Dam continues to release water at the set rate of 1,750 cubic meters per second, with the Royal Irrigation Department keeping a close watch on upstream volumes and central region rainfall to adjust water management strategies accordingly.
Mr. Thanes Somboon, Director of the Water Management and Hydrology Division, noted that the current flow rate into the Chao Phraya River, heading towards the Gulf of Thailand, is approximately 1,693 cubic meters per second at Bang Sai District in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. This rate is below the 3,000 cubic meters per second threshold that would affect Bangkok and its surroundings. The recent flooding in Bangkok has been attributed to heavy rainfall, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration proactively draining water to accommodate more rainwater and accelerating pumping into the river. Upcoming high tides may impact riverside communities.
Nationwide, the Royal Irrigation Department is keeping a vigilant eye on reservoir levels, especially in large reservoirs exceeding 80% capacity, due to ongoing rainfall. Eight major reservoirs are currently over 80% full, including Mae Ngat Somboonchon and Kiu Lom, among others. Of the 461 medium-sized reservoirs, 83 have surpassed 100% capacity, with 109 ranging between 80-100%. The department is managing water releases carefully and will notify the public of any necessary increases to minimize impacts.