Northeast on alert for more storms

Fears mount of repeat of last year’s flooding

SAKON NAKHON: Authorities are racing against time to divert water out of Nong Han Lake to accommodate expected inflows following recent heavy downpours in the northeastern province.

More storms are also forecast in the near future.

Sakon Nakhon has experienced heavy rain over the past several days due to summer storms. Several water-retention areas, particularly those in Muang district and the Phu Phan mountains, have seen a sharp rise in water levels.

The amount of water in Nong Han Lake, the province’s major water-catchment area, has reached 194.87 million cubic metres, or 73% of its capacity, which is 7.5% more than was recorded during the same period last year, according to irrigation officials.

The province was hit by some of the worst flooding on record in July last year.

The Royal Irrigation Department attributed the flooding at the time to unusually heavy rainfall, which set a 50-year record record at 465 millimetres in three days over Phu Phan Mountain. It resulted in a huge volume of water — at least 250 million cubic metres — flowing down the mountain and overwhelming Nong Han Lake.

Many locals are worried a similar occurrence could happen again this year, the officials said.

Irrigation officials opened two sluice gates to channel water from Nong Han Lake to the Kam River to allow the lake to take in more water.

According to the Thai Meteorological Department, a high-pressure system from China will cover the Northeast between today and Friday.

As a result the region was warned to brace for storms packing strong winds, along with lightning, hail and heavy rain. People were advised to avoid open spaces and standing under large trees, billboards or unsecured structures.

People should also expect possible flooding, the department said.

Farmers should also take precautions to make sure their crops are not damaged by the expected storms, it says.

The North, Central Plains, Bangkok and the East could feel the effects of the storms from tomorrow.

In Kalasin, Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Provincial Office chief, Wicharn Thanhin, yesterday said rescue teams were being put on standby. Provincial governor Kraisorn Kongchalart said people can contact the 1784 Hotline around the clock if they run into difficulties.

Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang meanwhile posted on his Facebook page that the capital could be affected by the summer storms from tomorrow.

He also warned people not to underestimate the weather conditions, saying people should be wary of falling trees or billboards during downpours.

“I have instructed all district offices and relevant agencies to keep track of the situation and to help people as quickly as possible,” Mr Aswin’s message reads.

Farmers in the northern province of Uttaradit are struggling with drought.

In tambon Ban Dan Na Kham of Muang district, Monchai Khamthum, a 28-yearold cattle farmer, said his 28 oxen and cows do not have enough grass to eat.