Irrigation Chief Manages Chao Phraya Water Amid Heavy Rain
Irrigation authorities are managing increased water flow at the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat province following heavy upstream rainfall, with controlled discharge and flood warnings issued to downstream communities as more rain is forecast.
The Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department visited the Chao Phraya Dam to monitor water conditions and ordered proactive water management to address increased rainfall and reduce impacts downstream. Vitthaya Khaewmee, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, along with Songkran Chaloonsritong, Director of Irrigation Office 12, and Thanesorn Somboon, Director of Water Management and Hydrology, inspected water conditions and management approaches at the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat province following continuous rainfall in upstream areas that has caused steady water flow into the Chao Phraya Basin.
At 6 a.m. on September 24, the C2 monitoring station in Nakhon Sawan district recorded water discharge of 1,777 cubic meters per second. The Irrigation Department is managing upstream water by gradually raising water levels at the dam to slow the flow and reduce potential impacts on downstream areas that could occur too rapidly. The department is also maximizing water intake into irrigation systems on both sides without causing local damage, issuing warning letters to northern provinces that may be affected, and adjusting dam discharge to 1,750 cubic meters per second to align with upstream water conditions and increased rainfall in the area.
Warning letters have been sent to all relevant agencies, and continuous public alerts are being issued to allow residents to prepare and respond promptly. Although upstream water volume is beginning to decrease, the Meteorological Department forecasts increased rainfall across the central region from today through September 27, which may raise water volume and levels in the Chao Phraya Basin further. Close monitoring will therefore continue.
The Director-General of the Irrigation Department has directed regional irrigation offices to plan water management by comprehensively analyzing data and continuously assessing trends to ensure effective and appropriate management. Public safety and dam integrity remain paramount, and the department emphasizes continuous communication and water alerts so residents receive accurate information, can prepare properly, and impacts are minimized.
