UBON RATCHATHANI(NNT) – On the flooding in Ubon Ratchathani, the Royal Irrigation Department has installed more high pressure water flow accelerators at Kaeng Saphue to increase drainage capacity, leading to a continuous reduction in flood waters in many areas.
The Chi-Mun Rivers Flood Management Center in Ubon Ratchathani has reported water level readings at M.179A (Se Bai) which show 402 cubic meters of water passing through each second, with the water level 2.33 meter higher than the banks, but with a continuous reduction. The flooded area has been reduced to some 326.4 square kilometers. Some disaster victims can now return to their homes, while all victims are expected to be able to return by the end of this month.
The Royal Irrigation Department Director General, Thongplew Kongjun said the department is draining flood waters from the lower Mun river basin in order to restore the situation as quickly as possible. The department is installing 15 Hydro Flow pumps at Kaeng Saphue in Phibun Mangsahan district, Ubon Ratchathani to help push the water into the Mekong River. Two pumps are now operational, while another 13 pumps will be installed as soon as possible.
The pumps will help speed up water flow into the Mun river through Kaeng Saphue which is sluggish. They will help increase the flow speed in the Mun river overall in Ubon Ratchathani. Some obstacles have been found along with the implementation of these pumps, one being that some of the water discharged from the pump was flowing into rocks, reversing its direction. A pipe extension is being installed to push the water out further downstream in order to improve the flow capacity.
The flood situation in Ubon Ratchathani has been resolved in many areas, such as in Tan Sum district where only some lowlands are still flooded. Ban Don Talee School in Tan Sum district is still affected by the flooding, but the water has lowered by 1 meter, revealing damage to the school building. The school is expected to re-open in October after thorough cleaning.
