PRESS RELEASE:
Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn has outlined a water management plan to prevent urban flooding, including the controlled water release from Mae Ngat Dam. The structure currently discharges 20-30 cubic meters of water per second to lower reservoir levels, ensuring it can handle more water during prolonged heavy rains and prevent overflow from tributaries into the city.
Efforts are also being made to drain water from low-lying areas ahead of anticipated rainfall. The city has been divided into six zones, with authorities closely monitoring the Ping River’s water levels. A 24-hour operations center has been set up to track real-time conditions, and plans are in place to assist vulnerable residents, such as bedridden individuals, in the event of severe flooding.
Governor Nirat has advised residents in Zones 1 and 2 to move valuable belongings to higher ground, while others are urged to remain vigilant. Officials are confident that any potential flooding will be less severe and shorter in duration than the 2022 floods, thanks to rapid drainage efforts currently underway.
Authorities remain optimistic that the Ping River’s water level will rise but stay below the threshold for widespread damage. Once the river reaches its peak, it is expected to stabilize and gradually recede, minimizing the risk of prolonged flooding in the city.
The preceding is a press release from the Thai Government PR Department.
