Drought hits Singburi: Turbo-charged pump aids fish, supports local agriculture
As drought continues in Thailand’s central Singburi province the a temple’s fish pond is experiencing a severe reduction in water levels, causing a shortage of oxygen for the fish. Consequently, the Pak Than Sub-district Administration Organisation (SAO) has urgently installed a turbo-charged pump to transfer water from a nearby canal into the pond, simultaneously supporting the aquatic life and allowing locals to draw water for agricultural purposes.
Sai Chon Chimphalee, the president of the Pak Than SAO in the Bang Rachan district of Singburi province, collaborated with officials to arrange land-moving vehicles before employing tractor-towed turbo-charged 200 horsepower pumps with 15-inch pipes to transport the water from the canal to Wat Huai Charoen Suk temple’s pond.
This intervention provides oxygen and adequate living conditions for the surviving fish, taking approximately two hours to fill the 50-metre long and 20-metre wide pond, reports Khaosod. Not only does this water sustain the pond’s fish, but it also serves the nearby farming community. The turbo-charged pump, purchased by the Pak Than SAO, is planned to be used during both drought and flood seasons, addressing water-logging problems in the area’s six villages and approximately 10,000 acres of farmlands within three to four days.
In the future, the Pak Than SAO president has plans to modify and improve old pumps into turbo-charged ones to extend support to locals experiencing water-related issues, effectively responding to their requests and meeting their immediate needs.
While Singburi grapples with drought, other areas of Thailand are at risk of flooding.
Today, it was reported that heavy rainfall and floods are expected to hit 54 provinces in Thailand, with a 70% chance of precipitation across the country, according to the Meteorological Department. Bangkok could face flash floods, while increased wave heights are predicted for the Andaman Sea today.
The Meteorological Department’s 24-hour forecast predicts heavy rainfall and thunderstorms due to a trough of a low-pressure area over the South China Sea, combined with a strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand.
