Northern Giants Under Strain – Water Levels Soar
Thailand’s colossal dams are under siege. Relentless downpours have sent water levels surging, with reservoirs in the north and northeast now brimming dangerously close to capacity.
The numbers are eye-watering. Sirikit Dam, a northern titan, is now 95.25% full, holding a staggering 9,058 million cubic metres of water. Just 452 million cubic metres of space remain – and officials have already ramped up outflow from 15 to 25 million cubic metres per day.
Bhumibol Dam, another northern powerhouse, sits at 87.3% capacity, containing 11,755 million cubic metres. In a surprising twist, its outflow has been cut from 10 to 5 million cubic metres daily. The reason? To avoid overwhelming the Chao Phraya Dam downstream.
Combined, both dams are releasing no more than 30 million cubic metres a day – a delicate balancing act to prevent disaster further downriver.
EGAT on High Alert – ‘We’re Watching Every Drop’
Chawalit Kankham, Assistant Governor at EGAT, is adamant: “We’re monitoring the situation closely, ensuring uninterrupted power, and preparing emergency measures.”
Despite flooding in parts of Uttaradit and Sukhothai, Thailand’s electricity supply has held steady. EGAT has mobilised volunteer teams, assembling relief packages for stricken communities. Coordination with other agencies is running at full tilt.
Northeast Feels the Pressure – Ubolratana Dam Nears Limit
The Ubolratana Dam in the northeast is also feeling the strain. It’s now 88.35% full, holding 2,148 million cubic metres. Here too, outflow has been reduced to spare low-lying areas downstream from inundation.
Across the board, EGAT’s major reservoirs are holding a colossal 52,671 million cubic metres – that’s 86% of total capacity. There’s still 8,806 million cubic metres (14%) of space left, a slim margin that officials say is “comforting.” The figures are well above last year’s levels, offering a glimmer of reassurance.
Real-Time Data for All – Transparency or Tension?
EGAT is keen to show it has nothing to hide. The public can track water levels in real time at http://water.egat.co.th or via the “EGAT ONE” mobile app. The aim? To build trust and stamp out wild rumours.
Officials insist every dam can withstand the current pressure and is fully prepared for the rest of the rainy season. “We’ve learned from past flood disasters,” EGAT says, “and our safety standards are higher than ever.”
Eyes on the Skies – Will the Rains Relent?
All attention now turns to the weather forecast. If the monsoon keeps pounding, some dams could reach breaking point. But EGAT remains resolute: “We’re ready. All necessary measures are in place.”
Will Thailand’s mighty dams hold firm, or is the worst yet to come?
