Royal Irrigation Dept warns riverside communities of embankment collapse

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CHAINAT, 16 February 2015 – The Office of Regional Irrigation 12 has issued warnings for riverside residents in Chainat, Uthai Thani and Nakonsawan against the collapse of riverbanks as the water levels have decreased.

According to the Office of Regional Irrigation 12 Director, Tarongkorn Somton, the water stored in Bhumipol, Sirkit and Kwae Noi dams at present is only enough for household consumption, ecosystems and vegetable growing. Advice against growing off season rice is still in place to prevent water shortages in summer.

The water levels in the dams built on the Chao Praya River are about 14.04 meters higher than the sea level, and are expected to go lower than 14 meters in coming days.

Mr. Tarongkorn said his office will try to keep the levels at higher than 14.30 meters, as any level lower than that will likely cause the riverbanks to collapse.

Warnings will also be issued to riverside communities, businesses, and fish farms in the river in order for them to be prepared for the lowering of the water levels to prevent damage to their properties or businesses.