One missing during Maha Sarakham reservoir breach flooding

A significant breach at the Huay Chiang Kham Reservoir in Maha Sarakham led to the release of several million cubic metres of water on Tuesday, affecting vast agricultural areas and resulting in one person missing.

Local officials reported that the incident impacted 10,000 rai of farmland across four subdistricts in the northeastern province. The breach, which occurred at 5pm, created a 50-metre-long gap in the reservoir. Heavy rain appears to be a contributing factor, although the exact cause remains under investigation.

Maha Sarakham Governor Wiboon Waewbundit confirmed yesterday that 5 million cubic metres of water had spilt from the reservoir, situated in Nonrasi subdistrict, Borabue district. The governor also indicated that efforts to mitigate the damage are underway.

Reports from the PRSarakham Facebook page reported 43 year old Surachat missing in the flood-affected area of Nonrasi. Sadayuch Chaiyalat, the district chief of Borabue, assessed the damage, noting that 10,000 rai of agricultural land in tambons Kamphi, Nong Mueang, Don Ngua, and Yang had been severely impacted.

“The released water is currently moving towards Maha Sarakham’s Wapi Pathum district, then will proceed to Roi Et’s Pathum Rat district, eventually reaching the Mun River.”

Panida Gudnok, a local villager in Nonrasi, expressed her concerns over the damage to her rice field.

“I believe about 50% of my 7-rai rice field will be damaged by the flood.”

She urged state agencies to provide compensation to those affected.

Efforts to close the breach are being coordinated by the Maha Sarakham Irrigation Project in collaboration with the Regional Irrigation Office 6. Sadayuch estimated that it would take five days to restore the reservoir to its original condition.

Governor Wiboon has communicated with residents in the affected areas, instructing them on evacuation procedures and directing them to temporary shelters. The flood caused significant disruption, blocking traffic in several locations and leading to the evacuation of 30 residents from nine homes in the Kamphi subdistrict. These residents have since returned home as the situation has improved.

Regarding aid and compensation, Wiboon mentioned that officials from the Thai Red Cross Society and the Department of Rural Roads are set to provide initial support to those impacted by the flooding, reported Bangkok Post.