Bhumibol Dam Nears Overflow as Heavy Rains Batter Thailand
Relentless rainfall in northern Thailand sends the Bhumibol Dam in Tak province to dangerous new heights. The massive reservoir now stands at 90 percent capacity—just five metres shy of overflowing. Local authorities remain on high alert as the situation grows more urgent.
Water from Chiang Mai Pushes Dam to the Brink
On October 6, senior officials from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (Egat) gather at the Bhumibol Dam. They assess the crisis as water levels surge.
In just 24 hours, 92.14 million cubic metres of water pour into the reservoir, mainly due to heavy rain in Chiang Mai province. The current water level sits at 255.37 metres above sea level, just below the dam’s 260-metre limit. The dam now holds 12.048 billion cubic metres of water—89.5 percent of its total capacity. Only a slim margin remains before the critical threshold is breached.
Emergency Measures at Bhumibol Dam in Tak
To protect downstream communities, Egat reduces the dam’s daily water release to 5 million cubic metres. This move follows guidelines from the Royal Irrigation Department, aiming to ease pressure on the Chao Phraya river basin.
An Egat spokesperson assures, “Structural checks show no damage or irregularities. The dam is stable and safe.” Still, the atmosphere remains tense as officials monitor the swelling reservoir.
Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit Also Nears Capacity
The crisis extends beyond Tak. The Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province is also approaching its limit, currently holding 9.164 billion cubic metres—96.36 percent of its capacity.
Authorities plan to release 35 million cubic metres daily into the Nan River to manage inflow and prevent overflow. Both dams are under round-the-clock surveillance, with more rain forecast in the coming days.
Residents Warned as Flood Risk Grows
Communities downstream from both dams receive urgent instructions to stay alert and follow updates from local disaster agencies. If rainfall intensifies unexpectedly, evacuations may be required.
The situation brings back memories of past floods in Thailand, when dams reached their breaking points. Officials stress they are taking every precaution this time to avoid disaster.
What Lies Ahead for Thailand?
With the rainy season showing no sign of letting up, the coming days could prove decisive. Dam managers face a tough choice: release more water and risk flooding, or hold back and hope the rain subsides.
For now, all eyes remain on the Bhumibol and Sirikit dams as Thailand braces for what could come next.
