Northeast braces for July downpours

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is keeping an eye on water levels in the Northeast, especially in watershed provinces as the region continues to experience steady rainfall.

RID director-general Thongplew Kongjun described the situation in the region this month and next as being under control but said it would be more closely monitored in July when the level of rainfall is forecast to increase by 20%.

Based on current estimations, Ubon Ratchathani will be vulnerable to river overflows and flooding, Mr Thongplew said after chairing a meeting with officials at the 6th Irrigation Office to discuss water management for the rainy season.

The 6th Irrigation Office covers the five provinces of Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Kalasin and Chaiyaphum.

Mr Thongplew said the water levels in three major rivers in the Northeast — Chi, Moon and Phong — need to be closely watched and regulated.

“If the water level in these rivers rises above the anticipated level, the water must be diverted immediately,” he said.

According to the department chief, the water levels at two major reservoirs — Ubonrat and Lampao — have not exceeded expectations. The same holds true for medium-sized reservoirs in the region, he added.

Huay Siew reservoir in Khon Kaen has reached about 80% of its water-retention capacity but is still manageable and unlikely to affect farmland, he said, adding the flow rate recorded along the Chi River is 10 cubic metres per second and is still able to absorb more water.

The Chi River passes through Nong Bua Lam Phu, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin and Roi Et.

The 6th Irrigation Office has instructed officials to i nstall water pumps and machines as well as put up warning flags at vulnerable locations, he said.

In Kalasin, residents of tambon Khong Chai Pattana in Khong Chai district have called on authorities to tackle the high levels of erosion evident along the banks of the Chi River, which they say is affecting their community.

They said the situation has worsened following heavy rains and that it has been five months since the signs of erosion were first reported, yet nothing much has been done about it.

Ouayporn Kaewlee, a resident of Ban Tha Hae, said her house and a rice mill are at risk of collapsing into the river now the banks have been further eroded.

She said the local authorities have inspected the area but have yet to take any action.

A rice barn collapsed when a 100-metre stretch of the riverbank eroded last year.

Meanwhile, in Phop Phra district of Tak province, hill tribe people are now moving their belongings to higher ground given heavy rains and recent indications of possible flash floods.