Lampang dams overflow, residents urged to evacuate valuables

Two major dams in Lampang, Thailand have burst their banks following relentless rainfall, leaving officials scrambling to warn residents in low-lying areas to move their belongings to higher ground immediately.

The torrential downpour, which started yesterday, September 25, and continued fiercely through the night, has sent water levels skyrocketing, creating a dangerously precarious situation for those living nearby.

Local government officials and emergency services are on high alert, and the clock is ticking for locals to safeguard their homes and possessions against the impending deluge.

Heavy downpours have led to flash floods and runoff in the upper areas, significantly affecting the Khew Ko Ma Korn Dam in Jaehom district. As of today, the dam holds 189 million cubic meters of water, reaching 111% of its total capacity.

Officials are currently releasing water at a rate of 257 cubic meters per second to manage the overflow, said a spokesperson from the Irrigation Project and Maintenance Office of Khun Korn Dam.

“If additional rainfall occurs downstream, it will cause the Wang River’s water level to rise further, impacting 13 villages in Jaehom district, including Pongdon, Jaehom, Wichet Nakhon, and Ban Sa.”

Water levels

The water levels are expected to remain high from today until the end of the month.

The released water from Khew Ko Ma Dam flows into the Kiu Lom Dam in the Mueang district, which is also experiencing a rapid increase in water levels due to rain. Currently, Kiu Lom Dam holds 88 million cubic meters, or 83% of its capacity. To manage this, officials began releasing water into the Wang River at a rate of 320 cubic meters per second since 1am today.

As a result, the Wang River’s level in Mueang district, particularly in Boonnak Phatthana, Ban Sadet, and Phichai subdistricts, has risen by over 30 centimetres. Projections indicate it could reach 85 centimetres. Lampang Municipality has elevated its alert level to prepare for the rising water, which could potentially reach critical overflow levels if heavy rains continue.

Residents in low-lying areas, including communities along Setuwaree Bridge, Thanang Loy, Tha Ma O, and those adjacent to Wang River such as Paa Mai Road, Charoen Prathet Road, Pong Sanuk Road, Talad Kao Road, Thip Chang Road, and Dong Chai Road, are advised to evacuate valuables and essential items to higher ground. The municipality anticipates the water level could peak at 1 metre by this afternoon.

In response to the potential flooding, Lampang Municipality has established an Emergency Operations Centre to monitor the situation and provide necessary assistance. The centre is equipped with manpower, equipment, medical supplies, survival kits, food, and water to support affected residents, reported KhaoSod.

“We urge residents to move their vehicles, belongings, and essential items to higher ground to prepare for the impending situation,” the municipality advised.

The emergency hotline 199 is available 24 hours for any flood-related emergencies.