NONG KHAI, 13th August 2019 (NNT) – Several areas in upper Thailand are still experiencing heavy rain. Water levels of major dams in the northeastern provinces of Nong Khai and Bueng Kan have increased due to continuous rain over the past week, bringing some relief to the agricultural sector.
Four medium-sized dams in Nong Khai province, including Huai Bang Puan, Huai Plew Nguak, Huai Thon Ton Bon and Huai Hin Kaew, have seen an increase in their water levels. The reservoirs of the four currently hold 9.3 million cubic meters of water, or 40.47% of their total capacity. Last week, these dams had only 6.61 million cubic meters of water, or 28.57% of their total capacity.
The water level of the Mekong River in Nong Khai has risen for a second consecutive day. According to the Department of Water Resources, its water level has been measured at four meters and 72 centimeters, up by 24 centimeters on the previous day. The water level was seven meters and 48 centimeters below the embankment. The water level of the Mekong River is expected to improve further, if the weather conditions remain stable.
In Muang Bueng Kan district of Bueng Kan province, the water level of the Mekong River was measured at six meters and 15 centimeters. Its water level was about seven meters below the embankment. The water level has risen, thanks to continuous rain and the upstream flow of water from Nong Khai. Nine small and medium-sized dams in the province now hold 25.23 million cubic meters of water, or 91.76% of the total capacity. Eight of the reservoirs hold more than 80% of their capacity. Meanwhile, the Huai Bang Bat floodgate is operating above its capacity. It has to release water into the Mekong River to prevent flooding in nearby farm areas.
Over the next 24 hours, heavy rain is expected in some areas of northern, upper northeastern and eastern Thailand. People have been warned to brace themselves for possible flash floods and forest runoff in at-risk areas. Meanwhile, Southern Thailand will see less rainfall during this period.
Waves of up to two meters are expected in the Andaman Sea, and may be higher than two meters in storm areas. Two-meter waves are expected in the upper Gulf of Thailand. Boat operators should proceed with caution in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
