Chiang mai: Engineers are rushing to build a semi-permanent embankment along the Sai River, nearly 4 kilometers long, to provide peace of mind to Mae Sai residents. Meanwhile, the Royal Irrigation Department is working to open 11 floodgates along the Ping River south of Chiang Mai.
According to Thai News Agency, engineers are expediting the construction of a semi-permanent embankment along the Sai River, covering a distance of nearly 4 kilometers. They are accelerating repairs to leaks and areas at risk of flooding, as well as adding reinforced big bags along the embankment, providing some peace of mind to Mae Sai residents.
Chiang Mai Irrigation Department hastened to open 11 water gates along the Ping River south of Chiang Mai City and began draining water from the Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam in Mae Taeng District, north of the city, which is nearing 70 percent capacity. The water is being drained at a rate of 44 cubic meters per second, or 4 million liters per day. The department has also drained water from several large reservoirs in preparation for the heavy rain from Tropical Storm Kajiki.
Nakhon Ratchasima is keeping a close watch on Typhoon Kajiki, as heavy to very heavy rain is expected in the province, which has been accumulating for several hours. Rainwater has been pouring down from mountains and steep slopes, with flash floods from Khao Hin Pheng, Lat Bua Khao Subdistrict, and Khao Ta U, Mittraphap Subdistrict, Sikhio District, flowing into Village No. 5, Ban Nong Chok, Mittraphap Subdistrict, Sikhio District, flooding farms and rice paddies. Community leaders are warning residents to closely monitor Typhoon Kajiki’s situation, as it will take several hours for the water to recede.
Bueng Kan Municipality has coordinated with the Bueng Kan Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department to prepare for the installation of a 14-inch water pump with a pumping rate of 28,000 liters/minute in front of the municipality and along the Mekong River next to the Immigration Police Office. They are preparing to pump water out of Bueng Kan Municipality and open the water gates to allow water in the municipality to flow into the Mekong River 24 hours a day. The water level in the Mekong River was measured at 9.40 meters, 4.60 meters below the bank, normal criteria, green flag. Mr. Jumpot Wannachatsiri, Governor of Bueng Kan Province, issued a warning via social media to watch out for flash floods, forest runoff, and mudslides.
Meanwhile, Nong Khai Province has installed water pumps at risk points. The Mekong River’s water level as it flows through Nong Khai Province has risen 3 centimeters since yesterday, falling below the critical level of 4.24 meters. Nong Khai Governor Sompop Samitasiri has ordered officials from the Nong Khai Municipality and the Nong Khai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (PAO) to install water pumps in at-risk areas to ensure timely water drainage, particularly along Prajaksilpakom Road, an economic hub. Residents have erected bricks and sandbags to block water from entering shops.