Chao Phraya Dam Release Floods Chai Nat School Overnight
The Chao Phraya Dam's release of water at 2,500 cubic meters per second caused rapid flooding in Wat Mabriang School and over 150 homes in Chai Nat province, with water reaching neck height overnight. The school avoided casualties by advancing exams and closing the term early under its flood plan. Officials inspected the damage and are planning recovery efforts after the waters recede.
The Chao Phraya Dam increased its water release, flooding Wat Mabriang School overnight, with water reaching neck height and submerging school buildings. Fortunately, advance planning allowed the school to move up exams and close the term before the flood arrived. On October 2, 69, reporters said after the dam released water at 2,500 cubic meters per second, water surged across roads, inundating the temple, school, and homes in the Wat Mabriang community, Phonang Dam Out subdistrict, affecting over 150 households. Water depth ranged from 50 to 170 centimeters depending on terrain. The flood came quickly; after announcing the 2,500 cubic meters per second release, water filled the area overnight. Meanwhile, Anupong Klongkan, Lieutenant Thanachot Raira, deputy director of Chai Nat Primary Education Office, and teachers from Wat Mabriang School inspected the flood damage, finding the football field and various buildings submerged. However, because the school had already accelerated exams and closed the term several days earlier under its flood plan, no one was harmed. Anupong, deputy director of the Primary Education Office, said the office had already visited five flood-affected schools to provide support and assess damage for recovery planning after waters recede. Wat Mabriang School had prepared to suspend classes in advance; originally scheduled for October 9, upon learning of the increased discharge, the school rushed to hold exams and close the term before the flood arrived, and moved belongings to higher ground to reduce damage. Wutthichai Plaekratok, a 30-year-old teacher at Wat Mabriang School, said initially there was no flooding, but after the dam released 2,500 cubic meters per second, water entered and reached neck height within a single night, rushing in rapidly. However, the school followed its plan, accelerating teaching, exams, and term closure to ensure the safety of students and staff.
