Officials Inspect Damaged Canal Reservoir in Rayong

The Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Sarawut Nuangnam, along with Withaya Kaewmi, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, visited Rayong province to inspect the Klong Rao Ok reservoir after it sustained partial damage to its water discharge structure from water erosion, resulting in heavy water overflow.

Following their inspection, officials found no additional soil collapse at the eroded section and no water flowing from the damaged area. The Director-General ordered immediate repairs using machinery and equipment, with completion expected the same day.

Nuangnam stated that measures have been ordered to prevent further erosion of the spillway wall, which has begun tilting. Long-armed excavators will press steel sheet piles into place along with materials to reduce water velocity. Water levels are dropping approximately 2 centimeters per hour and remain about 1 meter above the embankment, with conditions expected to normalize within one to two days if no additional heavy rainfall occurs.

Nuangnam also expressed concern for farmers in downstream areas growing fruit such as mangosteen and durian. Agricultural officials have been assigned to survey damage, and farmers can report losses through agriculture department channels. Damage assessments will be conducted in detail after water levels recede and the situation stabilizes, as impacts on trees require long-term case-by-case evaluation.

Kaewmi confirmed that the primary dam structure remains stable and safe, and that water level and volume continue to decrease at an average rate of 2 centimeters per hour, eliminating the risk of water overtopping the embankment. Steel sheet piles and erosion-prevention materials are being deployed to stop soil erosion along the wall. He urged residents to monitor official government and irrigation department updates closely and assured the public that the Irrigation Department will resolve the situation as quickly as possible.