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.
To help alleviate potential #flooding from excessive rainfaill in the Phetchaburi Province of #Thailand, a series of 8 large-volume #MWI Hydraflo™ pumps and were quickly set up to help the Kaeng Krachan Reservoir and hydroelectric dam to control the flow of water.#MWIPumps pic.twitter.com/1QmkcGKxZS
— MWI PUMPS (@MWIPumps) August 21, 2018
Spillover from Kaeng Krachan dam to reach Phetchaburi town tomorrow https://t.co/mko51lemRg #thaipbsworld pic.twitter.com/fFs91i3A6Q
— Thai PBS World (@ThaiPBSWorld) August 21, 2018
Severe flooding can only be avoided if there is no rain say Petchabun authorities as they waited too long to release excess water from Kaeng Krachan Dam that is 109% full. The river’s water level has already reached a critical point in the province’s Tha Yang district. pic.twitter.com/HBMlI5tgLk
— ThaiMythbuster (@thaimythbuster) August 21, 2018
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
