Phra nakhon si ayutthaya: The Royal Irrigation Department is set to increase the water release from the Rama VI Dam between September 26 and 28 to accommodate the increased discharge from the Pa Sak Dam, which began on September 24. This adjustment is anticipated to significantly impact low-lying communities downstream in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
According to Thai News Agency, the Pasak Jolasid Dam is currently operating at 78% of its capacity due to continuous inflows. Consequently, the water discharge rate has been gradually increased from 500 to 650 cubic meters per second since September 24, progressing at a rate of 50 cubic meters per second daily to maintain safe water levels.
To manage the inflow from the Pa Sak Dam, including contributions from the Chainat-Pa Sak Canal and recent rainfall, the Rama VI Dam will increase its discharge to 550-700 cubic meters per second between September 26 and 28. This escalation is expected to raise the water level in the Pa Sak River by 1.80 to 2.00 meters, posing a critical threat to low-lying areas such as the Tha Ruea Market and the Wat Satue Community in Tha Ruea District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
Meanwhile, the Chao Phraya Dam continues its water release at a rate of 2,200 cubic meters per second, affecting downstream areas in Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Pathum Thani provinces. In response, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) has coordinated a reduction in water release from upstream dams: from 10 million cubic meters/day to 5 million cubic meters/day at Bhumibol Dam, and from 20 million cubic meters/day to 10 million cubic meters/day at Sirikit Dam. This reduction strategy, phased from September 23 to 26, aims to stabilize the Chao Phraya Dam’s discharge rate through September and possibly decrease further in October if rainfall subsides.
In the Chi River Basin, anticipated heavy rains in the upper northeastern region have led the Ubonrat Dam to operate at 78% capacity. The Chi River Basin Committee plans to increase water discharge from no more than 25 million cubic meters per day to up to 35 million cubic meters per day. Coordination with local agencies is underway to expedite water flow into the Mekong River via Ubon Ratchathani Province, mitigating potential impacts on residents.
The Royal Irrigation Department is urging residents in low-lying regions, especially those downstream of dams, to heed government warnings and prepare for potential flooding as September concludes, given the persistent rainfall and rising water levels.