7 provinces warned of rise in Chao Phraya dam discharge

7 provinces warned of rise in Chao Phraya dam discharge

The Chao Phraya dam in Chai Nat province discharges more water to downstream areas as more rain is forecast. (Photo by Chudet Seehawong)
The Chao Phraya dam in Chai Nat province discharges more water to downstream areas as more rain is forecast. (Photo by Chudet Seehawong)

People in seven provinces in the Chao Phraya river basin have been advised to monitor water levels as more water will be released through the Chao Phraya dam in Chai Nat province, an official said on Sunday.

Surachart Malasri, director of the 12th Irrigation Office, said he had sent a letter to the governors of seven provinces in the Chao Phraya river basin, from Chai Nat down to Ayutthaya, warning people below the Chao Phraya dam to expect higher water levels downstream.

On Sunday at 6am, the water level on the northern side of the Chao Phraya dam was 16.73 metres above mean sea level (MSL) and the dam was discharging water downstream at the rate of 898 cubic metres per second.

Since the Thai Meteorological Department has predicted more rain in the upper part of Thailand during Sept 10-13 and more rainwater is expected to flow into the river, the Royal Irrigation Department will discharge water through the Chao Phraya dam at the rate of 900-1,200 cubic metres per second. However, he did not say when this would begin.

As a result, the water level below the dam from Chai Nat province to Sena and Phak Hai district of Ayutthaya will rise by 30-80 centimetres. People along the river bank should keep monitoring the water level to take precautions if necessary, he said.

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