Chainat, July 9- Director General of the Chao Phraya Basin Irrigation Department, manages water in the rainy season 66 in a 2D systematic way. by being ready to cope with drought and flood situations from the beginning of the year to the present Rainfall is 50% lower than average, but the Meteorological Department expects During the months of Aug. - Sept. It will rain heavily and there is a chance that the tropical cyclone will move through Thailand and there may be floods or flash floods in some areas.

Mr. Praphit Chanma, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, traveled to monitor the water situation and preparedness for the 2023 rainy season in the Chao Phraya River Basin. by instructing all irrigation projects in the area that 2D water management must be systematically linked. by being ready to cope with drought and flood situations at the same time

since the beginning of the year Rainfall below normal In addition, this year enters the rainy season slowly. when entering the rainy season The amount of rain at the beginning of the season is still below normal. Rainfall measurement results from January 1 to July 2, 2023 by the Meteorological Department indicate that In the central region, the rainfall is 50 percent below normal, resulting in less runoff in main rivers, tributaries and other water sources. As well as the lack of rain, but it is expected that after July 17, the rain will start to fall again.

The Meteorological Department also announced that Between August and September There will be abundant rainfall and a high chance of tropical cyclone moving through the northern and northeastern regions. Causing heavy to very heavy rain in many areas which may cause flooding sudden flood and the water overflows the banks

Emphasis was placed on irrigation projects. construction project Including the mechanical office Especially the Chao Phraya Basin area, which is the point of receiving water from the upper part. to closely monitor and monitor the weather from relevant agencies Bring information to analyze water management to cover both dimensions and be consistent with the situation. jointly manage water between areas By using the irrigation system to receive water and drain the water systematically and to the full potential.

Simultaneously ordering all agencies to integrate together in preparing to deal with the water situation according to the 12 measures to deal with the rainy season that the National Water Administration (NCW) has strictly defined 6 guidelines of the Royal Irrigation Department Check irrigation buildings to be ready for use at their full potential. consider adjusting ventilation to suit the situation Remove obstructions in the waterways and regularly and continuously dredging the canal for better drainage. Including the preparation of machines, tools and staff at risk points. Ready to perform duties 24 hours a day in order to be able to help the area in a timely manner and quickly return to normalcy. As well as integrating with local agencies to publicize and notify the public of the water situation continuously. to reduce the impact on farmers and people as much as possible

Mr. Taweesak Thanadechopol, Deputy Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department revealed the water situation that at present, the 4 main dams in the Chao Phraya Basin are Bhumibol Dam, Sirikit Dam. Kwai Noi Bamrung Daen Dam and Pa Sak Jolasid Dam have a total water volume of 10,253 million cubic meters, accounting for 41 percent of the total capacity of the reservoir, with a total water consumption of 3,557 million cubic meters. The rainy season of 2023 has already reached 3,391 million cubic meters, or 62 percent of the plan (5,500 million cubic meters of water allocation plan). The overall water allocation plan is in accordance with the plan. Regarding the cultivation of off-season rice, there are currently 6.43 million rai of cultivation, or 80 percent of the plan (8.05 million rai plan), with the Royal Irrigation Department adjusting the cultivation calendar in the Chao Phraya Basin area. So that the agriculture in the area can start planting and harvesting before the flood season arrives in September. to help reduce the risk of damaged productivity

At the same time, there must be a plan to allocate water to all sectors. as well as delivering water to cultivated agricultural areas equally and fairly.-Thai News Agency

Source: Thai News Agency