Mae Ngat Dam has exceeded capacity though can still take in about 20 million cubic metres of water, prompting officials to increase water discharge as rains continue.
As of 8th November, Mae Ngad Dam is holding 272 million cubic meters of water. Mae Kuang Udom Thara Dam in Doi Saket is also high, with 245 million cubic meters, or 93 percent of capacity.
As of today, Mae Ngat Dam can still receive another 20 million cubic meters. At the same time, officials have increased the discharge rate into the Ping River from 5 cubic meters per second to 30 cubic meters per second since 4th November. Authorities say this will not affect nearby communities or farmland.
Mae Kuang Dam can still hold another 18 to 20 million cubic meters of water. Meanwhile, 13 medium-sized reservoirs across the province have begun releasing some water to make room for expected rainfall from the incoming storm.
Kueakul Manasampansakul, director of the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project, inspected the Mae Soi sluice gate in Chom Thong District, the final gate along the Ping River before its waters flow into Doi Tao Lake and then onward to the Bhumibol Dam.
The irrigation office has opened all 10 sluice gates to accelerate water discharge and pull in water from tributaries in preparation for heavy rainfall expected between 8th and 10th November, according to the Northern Meteorological Center’s forecast.
