BANGKOK, Thailand – The Royal Irrigation Department (RID), in response to rising water levels and continued heavy rainfall across multiple regions, has lowered the discharge rate from Pa Sak Jolasid Dam from 350 to 300 cubic meters per second to help reduce downstream flood risk. The move, implemented today (Nov 10), comes as major rivers in the Chao Phraya Basin report elevated flows and upstream water levels continue to rise.
Recent data from the Smart Water Operation Center recorded the highest 24-hour rainfall in Lan Sak district, Uthai Thani (128.5 mm), followed by Phipun district, Nakhon Si Thammarat (116 mm), and Wiang Pa Pao district, Chiang Rai (89.8 mm). Heavy rain has been widespread in the North, Central, and South.
As of 6:00 a.m., key flow rates included 1,329 cubic meters per second (m³/s) in the Ping River, 501 m³/s in the Yom River, and 1,225 m³/s in the Nan River. The Chao Phraya River at Station C.2 in Nakhon Sawan measured 2,965 m³/s, while the upstream water level at Chao Phraya Dam rose to 17.70 meters above mean sea level and remains on an upward trend.
The RID is diverting a combined 600 m³/s into irrigation systems along both sides of the Chao Phraya River to relieve pressure on the main channel. The dam’s current discharge rate remains at 2,800 m³/s.
To support flood control, water pumps are operating around the clock in affected areas, while the RID is regulating drainage through the Khlong Lat Pho floodgate in coordination with tidal movements to accelerate runoff into the Gulf of Thailand and reduce the impact on low-lying communities. (NNT)
