Water discharges from major dams are being meticulously regulated to reduce the impact of floods and water overflow in downstream provinces, according to the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR). The adjustments are in effect at the dams on the Ping, Wang, and Nan rivers—three vital tributaries of the Chao Phraya River. Paitoon Kengkarnchang, ONWR’s deputy secretary-general, explained the critical need for these measures.
Mr. Paitoon emphasized the delicate balance dams must maintain between water inflow and outflow. Releasing too much water too quickly could exacerbate the flooding in downstream areas, while insufficient releases could deplete water reserves needed for the dry season. The strategy is to strike just the right balance.
Specifically, the Bhumibol Dam on the Ping River has adjusted its water discharge to one million cubic metres (m³) per day. This calculated reduction aims to manage downstream water levels more effectively while storing enough for future needs. Similarly, in the Wang River basin, the Kew Kor Ma Dam and Kew Lom Dam are carefully modulating their discharges to stabilize water levels.
In the Nan River basin, the Sirikit Dam has reduced its water discharge significantly from 15 million m³ to 10 million m³ daily. This adjustment facilitates the efficient diversion of water into the flooded low-lying Bang Rakam field, subsequently channeling it into the Nan River to prevent a sudden surge of floodwater.
Meanwhile, in the Yom River basin, which lacks a dam, flood-affected areas in Phrae and Sukhothai have witnessed a steady recession of water. Here, the water flowing through the Yom water station is managed meticulously at a rate of 497 cubic metres per second (m³/s), ensuring effective water flow and minimizing the flood impact.
This coordinated and finely-tuned approach highlights the ONWR’s commitment to managing water resources diligently. As challenging as the task may be, the goal remains unwavering: to protect lives, livelihoods, and lands from the devastating effects of floods while securing water for essential use during drier periods.
While I appreciate the efforts by ONWR, I wonder if it’s enough. Climate change is making floods more unpredictable.
The science behind these adjustments is solid. We should trust the experts.
Trusting experts is fine, but shouldn’t we also look into long-term solutions like reforestation?
Reforestation takes decades. We need immediate action too.
Realistically, we need a mix of both: immediate solutions and long-term strategies.
Why aren’t we building more dams if they’re so effective?
Building more dams has a huge environmental cost. It’s not always the best answer.
How big of an impact are we talking about here? Seems like saving lives should be priority number one.
A lot of dams disrupt local ecosystems and displace communities. We can’t ignore these issues.
Tommy, dams are a double-edged sword. They solve one problem but can create another.
I think the ONWR is doing a fine job. Balancing water levels in such a complicated system is no easy feat.
Agreed. People are quick to criticize but forget the complexity involved.
Yes, hydrological management is a highly specialized field that requires both science and experience.
Is anyone looking into alternative flood control measures, like wetlands restoration?
Wetlands act as natural buffers for floods. Good point! We should invest more in them.
Exactly! It’s a sustainable solution that also benefits the ecosystem.
But such measures take time and a lot of political will.
What happens if there’s more rain than expected? Are these measures still effective?
It’s a gamble. Nature isn’t always predictable, but better management reduces risks.
I was in Thailand last year and saw the flooding firsthand. These measures are absolutely crucial.
Interesting read! I never thought about how complex managing water levels actually is.
It’s fascinating how dams can be so precisely controlled.
What about the communities living downstream? Are they informed about these changes?
Good question! Effective communication is key in situations like this.
Efforts are made to inform communities, but sometimes the information doesn’t reach everyone promptly.
Balancing water levels isn’t just about preventing floods. It’s also about ensuring water supply during dry seasons.
It’s a relief to see organized efforts to manage water resources. Better than leaving it to chance.
My concern is whether these measures can adapt quickly if the weather pattern shifts drastically.
This is why we need to continuously monitor and update our water management systems.
Dam adjustments are a technical marvel but require constant vigilance and data to be effective.
I’d love to see more integration of renewable energy in these dam operations.