EGAT - Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand

10/18/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/18/2023 02:55

Ubol Ratana Dam keeps monitoring water level due to continual water inflow from monsoon trough

Ubol Ratana Dam keeps monitoring water level due to continual water inflow from monsoon trough

18 October 2023

EGAT keeps monitoring the water level of Ubol Ratana Dam and mitigates flood impacts on Mun - Chi River basin areas by delaying the water discharge according to the Chi River Commission's resolution due to the continual water inflow. It prepares to implement emergency plans when the water reaches a critical level to ensure the safety of the public and warns the public to closely monitor the water situation.

Mr. Charan Khumngeon, Deputy Governor - Generation of Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), revealed that the monsoon trough passing through the North and the Northeast of Thailand and the low pressure causing heavy rain in the Northeast led to the flooding in Mun - Chi River basin areas. EGAT's Ubol Ratana Dam, Khon Kaen Province, lessens the flood impacts by delaying its water discharge in response to the resolutions of Northeastern Water Management Center and Chi River Commission. During September 1 - October 7, 2023, EGAT released the water of only 0.8 million cubic meters per day; and during October 8-15, 2023, EGAT stepped up the water release to be 3 - 15 million cubic meters per day, totaling 104 million cubic meters. The water inflow was 1,981 million cubic meters. The Dam has stored a total of 1,877 million cubic meters of water, equivalent to 95% of the total water volume, preventing it from flowing downstream. As a result, the water level of Ubol Ratana Dam continues to rise, exceeding its storage capacity to 112%, with a total water volume of 2,730 million cubic meters.

According to Thai Meteorological Department forecast of increasing rainfall and water inflow to the reservoir during October 18-20, 2023, EGAT has properly and efficiently prepared water management plans when the water situation reaches critical level to ensure the public safety and the security of the Dam and earthen dykes.

EGAT has collaborated with governmental agencies and the public in Non Sang District, Nong Bua Lam Phu Province to monitor the water situation and construct flood-defending dikes to protect high-risk areas. EGAT also pumped water out of the areas after heavy rains and distributed survival bags to help the people affected by flooding in various provinces, continuously. EGAT warns the public nearby the Dam in Nong Bua Lam Phu and Khon Kaen Provinces to be prepared for rising water levels in the future due to rainstorms. In addition, EGAT usually conducts inspections of the Dam's equipment and facilities to ensure operational readiness and safety. For the real-time water situation update, please visit http://water.egat.co.th/ or EGAT Water and EGAT One applications.