Major dam in central Thailand’s Phetchaburi province expected to overflow August 22

Authorities in Thailand are warning the Kaeng Krachan dam is expected to overflow at Wednesday noon, August 22, 2018, triggering another flood.

This is a major dam located in Phetchaburi province, currently holding 777 million m³ of water or 109% of its full capacity and discharging water at a rate of 286 m³ per second. This is its highest level in 10 years, officials said.

The spillover is expected to overflow the Phetchaburi river banks to flood Phetchaburi town by Wednesday noon, August 22, provincial irrigation project director Sant Jorncharoen said during a press conference on August 21.

As reported by Xinhua, Jorncharoen said the water running across the spillway this morning was 1.44 m (4.72 feet) high on the morning of August 22. Irrigation departments estimated that the town would be flooded for 5 to 7 days before subsiding, with floodwater of 10 to 20 cm (0.3 – 0.6 feet) deep.

Areas expected to be hard-hit are tambons Khlong Krachaeng, Ban Mo, Ton Ma Muang, Ban Kum and Na Mon, he said.

Provincial authorities have been asked to speed up drainage downstream rivers as nearly 50 resort hotel near rivers were submerged.

The provinces of Bueng Kan, Sakhon Nakhon, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Krabi, Trang and Satun, were also warned of more fresh floods as they face varying levels of risk as heavy rains continue.

Featured image credit: MWI PUMPS