Flood alert in Khon Kaen as major dam releases more water

By Thai Newsroom Reporters

VILLAGERS LIVING IN a dozen districts of Khon Kaen have been told to brace for imminent flooding due to an increased volume of rainwater being released from a major dam from today (Oct.18), officials said.

Those living in areas below Ubonrat dam have been alerted by the authorities to prepare their family members, crops, livestock and property for possible evacuation to higher ground as torrential rain is expected to prevail over mountainous areas above the dam during the current monsoon season.

The districts through which the overflowing Chi River passes include Nam Pong, Nongrua, Ubonrat, Baan Pai and the capital district of the northeastern province, among others.

Ubonrat dam which is currently holding an overcapacity volume of rainwater at about 2,800 million cubic metres is increasing the releasing volume by three million cubic metres daily which might probably reach a maximum of 25 million cubic metres daily by next week, the officials said.

Some low-lying areas in Ubonrat and Nongrua districts have already been inundated whilst many others are expected to encounter a similar natural disaster sooner rather than later, they said.

Apart from agricultural and residential areas in Khon Kaen, those in several other Esaan provinces, namely Nong Bua Lampu, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothorn and Ubon Ratchathani, could possibly be hit by flash floods due to an increased volume of rainwater to be released from Ubonrat dam as well as Lam Pao dam in Kalasin.

CAPTIONS:

Top: Khon Kaen was lashed by a heavy rainstorm in the middle of last month. Photo: Thai Rath

Below and Front Page: Chaiyaphum province heavily flooded on Oct. 7, 2023.Photos: Matichon

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