With the anticipated onset of the La Nina phenomenon in the upcoming months, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is actively considering various strategies to brace for potential flooding during the rainy season.
In a recent online meeting held at the RID’s Smart Water Operation Centre, RID director-general Chuchart Rakjit disclosed that 17 royal irrigation offices nationwide have been instructed to take preemptive measures in readiness for the arrival of La Nina. Meteorologists predict that this weather pattern will bring intensified rainfall from July to October across the country.
The meeting, which saw the attendance of senior officials including RID deputy director Dej Lekwichai and Meteorological Department director-general Kanrawee Sitthichawapak, highlighted the expected rise in precipitation levels due to La Nina. Ms. Kanrawee projected a minimum 20% increase in rainfall volume, with particularly high escalation anticipated in the Central Plains (39%), followed by the Northeast (22%) and the South (16%).
Forecasts suggest that heavy rainfall will commence in various regions between June and July, escalating in frequency from August to October due to the convergence of two monsoon seasons during this period.
To mitigate the potential risks of flooding, Mr. Chuchart issued directives for all relevant agencies to kickstart preparatory efforts. Despite these precautionary actions, he expressed confidence that this year’s La Nina event will not result in a catastrophic flood akin to the 2011 incident, attributing this reassurance to the department’s enhanced technological capabilities in water resource management during the monsoon season.
Moreover, the RID has made significant infrastructure improvements, particularly the refurbishment of all pumping stations along the Chao Phraya River, aimed at facilitating water conveyance towards the Gulf of Thailand. The establishment of “monkey cheek” water-catchment areas along the river, such as the one in Thung Baang Rakam in Phitsanulok and others in ten lowlands of Thung Chao Phraya, is poised to enhance water retention capacity to approximately 1.5 billion cubic meters—an improvement over the 960 million cubic meters capacity of the Pasak Jolasid Dam in Lop Buri.
