Phuket faces water crisis as reservoirs run dry
Warning bells are ringing in Phuket as reservoir levels plunge and fears of severe drought grip the island. Officials scramble to prevent a looming water crisis before the taps run dry.
Phuket chief Sophon Suwannarat and top provincial officials joined a high-level video conference on April 8 to strategise urgent drought mitigation measures.
The session, chaired by Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul in his role as Commander of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Committee, brought together leaders from across Thailand to confront the intensifying dry season.
Governor Sophon was joined at the Phuket Provincial Hall by Wichit Sutthaso, the newly appointed Chief of the Phuket Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM Phuket), with representatives from key agencies.
The meeting took place as water levels at Phuket’s three main reservoirs painted a grim picture.
Bang Wad reservoir in Kathu is only 25% full, holding just 2.51 million cubic metres of water, a far cry from its full capacity of 10.2 million cubic metres. Bang Neow Dum reservoir in Srisoonthorn is slightly better off at 45% full, with 3.48 million cubic metres out of a 7.2 million capacity.
Meanwhile, the Klong Kata reservoir in Chalong stands at 46% full, containing 1.89 million cubic metres, with a reported capacity of 3.49 million.
The conference featured updates from four main working groups:
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Forecasting group: The Meteorological Department of Thailand, and the Water Resources Information Institute, shared predictions on rainfall and water availability.
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Water management group: The Office of National Water Resources and Royal Irrigation Department outlined conservation strategies and water allocation plans.
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Water shortage resolution group: Agencies including the Provincial Waterworks Authority, Department of Local Administration, and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives detailed local emergency response efforts.
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Problem resolution support group: The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, Ministry of Defence, and military forces pledged support, including potential artificial rainmaking.
Drought risks were highlighted in provinces like Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Kanchanaburi, and Chon Buri, reported The Phuket News.
Officials also reviewed advice from the Privy Councilors aimed at minimising public hardship.
A spokesperson for the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation stressed “the importance of proactive collaboration between agencies,” adding that all efforts are being made to accelerate resource deployment and strengthen coordination to minimise the crisis.
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