Water Situation in Thailand: Tropical Storm Nongfa and Monsoon Trough Bring Flooding Concerns

Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Nongfa and the monsoon trough has brought severe flooding concerns to several areas in Thailand. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society Prasert Jantararuangtong, as Chairman of the National Water Resources Committee, has expressed concerns over the water situation in affected areas. The storm has caused heavy rainfall in major river basins, including the Pasak, Yom, and Nan rivers, with some areas recording over 200 millimetres of rainfall. Authorities are working to evacuate vulnerable residents and relocate their belongings to higher ground, while water levels are expected to recede in the coming days.

Key Takeaways:

• The Pasak River Basin in Phetchabun province has been severely affected by continuous heavy rain, leading to flash floods in residential areas and agricultural land in multiple districts.
• The water levels in the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam are expected to rise from 35% to 45% of its storage capacity within the next 7 days, an increase of nearly 100 million cubic metres.
• Heavy rainfall in the southern areas of Sirikit Dam has caused the Nan River to rise rapidly, with controlled releases of up to 40 million cubic metres per day beginning between September 5-7.
• The Mae Mok Dam has seen its water level exceed the storage capacity, reaching 104%, but the spillway has managed to handle the overflow.
• Temporary water management centres are being set up in flood-prone areas of central Thailand and the Yom-Nan river basin to manage water flow efficiently and mitigate impacts on residents.
• Immediate assistance and relief efforts are being coordinated to support affected communities, with regional flood response centres closely monitoring the situation and working together to prevent and resolve flood-related issues.

Statistics:

• Water level in the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam expected to rise from 35% to 45% of its storage capacity within the next 7 days (an increase of 100 million cubic metres)
• Controlled releases of up to 40 million cubic metres per day beginning between September 5-7
• Mae Mok Dam water level exceeds 104% of its storage capacity
• 200 millimetres of rainfall recorded in some areas
• 100 million cubic metres of water expected to be stored in the Pa Sak Jolasid Dam

Sources:

• Pasert Jantararuangtong, "Thailand's Water Situation: Concerns Over Tropical Storm Nongfa and Monsoon Trough"
• National Water Resources Committee press release (No date provided)
• National Water Resources Office (NWRO) report (No date provided)