Dam levels critically low despite storms

Dam levels critically low despite storms

Recent tropical storms which battered the North and Northeast have failed to raise water levels in the country's four main dams, according to the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.

The four dams -- the Bhumibol in Tak province, the Sirikit in Uttaradit, the Kwai Noi Bamrung Dan in Phitsanulok and the Pasak Jolasid in Lop Buri -- which feed the country's rice belt in the Chao Phraya river basin, remain low, said Minister Suvit Maesincee.

He explained the dams currently store a combined 5.422 billion cubic metres of water. However, much more water is needed to last through next year's dry season.

The minister said at least 12 billion cubic metres of water in the four dams are required for farming, consumption and sustaining ecology next summer.

Authorities are concerned there might not be enough time to raise levels in the dams before the rainy season officially ends in 37 days.

Tropical storms Podul and Kajiki, which hit the North and Northeast in recent weeks and caused widespread flooding, especially in northeastern provinces including Ubon Ratchathani, were not very helpful in increasing the water in the four dams, according to local reports.

Other major dams in the Northeast, such as the Ubol Ratana, Lam Phra Plerng, Lam Nang Rong and Thab Salao, were also reporting low water levels, Mr Suvit said. Only three major dams are almost full -- the Vajiralongkorn dam in Kanchanaburi at 90% capacity, the Sirindhorn dam in Ubon Ratchathani (98%) and the Kaeng Krachan in Phetchaburi (83%).

Meanwhile, the Hydro Informatics Institute has predicted less rainfall nationwide from Friday until Monday as a high pressure trough from China slowly pushes southward.

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