It’s either too much rain or no rain at all

Warnings are out from the Thai Meteorological Department this morning about heavy rains in some regions around the country. And irrigation officials are warning some provinces about local dam levels. Some southern provinces are forecast to get a drenching though to the end of this week. Meanwhile other parts of Thailand are in virtual drought!

Welcome to the weird, wild and whacky weather of Thailand’s 2018 monsoon.

People living on the banks of major rivers in Thailand have been warned they face a serious risk of flooding. The Office of National Water Resources is warning people living along Kam, Songkhram, Oun, Kwai Noi, Kwai Yai, Pasak, Prachin Buri and Nan rivers should keep abreast of flood reports.

“Recent heavy downpours look set to increase water levels in these rivers,” he said, adding that Nan province had been hit by 155.5 millimetres of rain in the 24 hour period ending yesterday morning. This rainwater will eventually flow into Nan River. Somroeng said the Mekong had already overflowed in many provinces, including Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan.

“It may also overflow in Bueng Kan and Ubon Ratchathani soon,” he said.

The authorities are also monitoring five major dams, Nam Oun in Sakon Nakhon, Kaeng Krachan in Phetchaburi, Vajiralongkorn and Srinakharin in Kanchanaburi and Khun Dan Prakan Chon in Nakhon Nayok. These dams are between 87 and 108 per cent full.

Although floods have already hit many provinces, Deputy PM General Chatchai Sarikulya said the TMD had found the country’s overall rainfall to date was below normal levels.

“There are heavy rains only in some areas,” he said.

Chatchai said some provinces have not seen rain for a long period of time and he believed it would be necessary to stage rainmaking operations for some dry zones to prevent drought.

“The PM has already been informed of the situation. We will get a clear plan around the middle of this month,” Chatchai said.

SOURCE: The Nation