Bangkok: The tropical depression known as “Nong Fa” has developed into a tropical storm, prompting Thailand to accelerate drainage efforts to manage impending rainfall.
According to Thai News Agency, the Meteorological Department reported that Tropical Depression Nongfa, initially situated in the South China Sea, has intensified into Tropical Storm Nongfa. The storm is expected to weaken upon making landfall in Vietnam, subsequently entering Thailand as a low-pressure area and bringing scattered rainfall until September 1.
Mr. Somkuan Tonjan, Director of the Meteorological Department’s Weather Forecast Division, explained that the storm’s influence, combined with a strengthening southwest monsoon and a monsoon trough passing over northern Thailand, will result in widespread rainfall, with some areas experiencing heavy to very heavy rain between August 30 and September 1. The department has advised citizens to be cautious of flash floods, landslides, and mudslides.
The Smart Water Operations Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department provided an update on the water situation, noting that large and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide currently contain 52,541 million cubic meters of water, which is 69% of their total capacity. These reservoirs can hold an additional 23,964 million cubic meters. In the Chao Phraya River Basin, a critical area, the total water volume in four major dams is 18,337 million cubic meters, or 74% of total capacity, leaving room for 6,534 million cubic meters more.
A particular focus is on the Sirikit Dam, which is holding 8,078 million cubic meters of water, or 85% of its capacity. This situation led to a joint meeting among the Royal Irrigation Department, the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and related agencies. They agreed to maintain water discharge from the Sirikit Dam at a rate of 50 million cubic meters per day until September 10, 2025, to manage water levels and mitigate downstream impacts.
The Royal Irrigation Department has formulated a plan to address the challenges posed by Tropical Storm Nong Fa, which includes draining water from reservoirs in advance, deploying machinery and personnel at risk points, inspecting irrigation infrastructure, and removing water obstructions to expedite drainage and minimize flooding.
The department emphasizes the importance of integrated water management from upstream to downstream to mitigate flooding risks in downstream economic areas and communities. Citizens in need of assistance are encouraged to contact their nearest irrigation project or call the Royal Irrigation Department’s 24-hour hotline at 1460.