Suriya orders round-the-clock flood response and faster drainage to Gulf
Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has ordered round-the-clock flood monitoring, rapid drainage and full deployment of equipment to protect communities, farmland and economic areas.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has instructed agencies under his ministry to maintain round-the-clock readiness to assist people affected by flooding, while accelerating drainage towards the sea to reduce the impact on economic and agricultural areas.
Suriya chaired a meeting with senior Agriculture Ministry officials at the Royal Irrigation Department’s Smart Water Operation Center (SWOC) in Samsen, Bangkok, to review the latest water situation.
He said persistent heavy rain, including very heavy rainfall in some areas, had prompted Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to express concern for communities that could be affected.
The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) was instructed to closely monitor weather and water conditions nationwide, particularly in high-risk areas, to prevent and minimise damage as much as possible.
The ministry had already confirmed that Suriya would monitor the situation at SWOC on September 26 before inspecting the Khlong Lat Pho floodgate in Samut Prakan.
Agencies placed on 24-hour standby
Suriya ordered the RID and other relevant agencies under the ministry to maintain continuous monitoring and operational readiness 24 hours a day.
Information from all relevant agencies should be analysed continuously to assess trends and develop water-allocation plans suited to conditions in individual areas.
Machinery, equipment and personnel must also be prepared for immediate deployment wherever communities require assistance.
For agricultural areas already affected by flooding, Suriya ordered officials to install pumps and other equipment to drain water as quickly as possible.
Chao Phraya basin ordered to maximise drainage capacity
Particular attention is being given to the Chao Phraya basin.
Suriya instructed Irrigation Offices 10, 11 and 12 to use upstream areas to retain water where appropriate and maximise the capacity of irrigation systems on both the eastern and western sides of the basin to redistribute and drain water.
Officials were also told to work directly with local communities, explain the water-management situation and monitor drainage operations.
The approach is intended to reduce pressure on the Chao Phraya River while protecting agricultural production and major economic areas from flooding.
The RID has recently been adjusting its Chao Phraya water-management plans in response to heavier rainfall and increased inflows from upstream areas.
Khlong Lat Pho to help accelerate drainage to Gulf
Suriya also instructed the RID to remove obstructions from major rivers and tributaries and inspect all irrigation structures and pumping stations to ensure they are ready for use.
The Khlong Lat Pho Floodgate under the Royal Initiative will be used together with additional pumping stations to accelerate the movement of water into major rivers and ultimately the Gulf of Thailand.
Drainage operations will be coordinated with tidal movements to maximise efficiency.
The Khlong Lat Pho system provides a shortcut for Chao Phraya water heading towards the Gulf, reducing the route from around 18 kilometres to about 600 metres. Its gates are operated in coordination with the tides, particularly during low tide, to accelerate drainage from the lower Chao Phraya.
Public updates must continue
Suriya also stressed the importance of regularly communicating water conditions to residents and farmers so they have sufficient time to prepare.
Public safety and wellbeing must remain the highest priority, he said.
Water management should be carried out carefully and in balance, covering flood prevention and mitigation, water storage for future shortages and measures to limit damage to agricultural areas.
The ministry has previously instructed the RID to maintain close monitoring of weather and water conditions and keep machinery and personnel ready for flood response nationwide.
After the meeting, Suriya travelled to the Khlong Lat Pho Floodgate under the Royal Initiative to inspect water conditions and operational readiness.
For those who wish to help our fellow citizens suffering and affected by the floods, you can make a donation through the following accounts:
Nation Foundation
Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri): Account No. 333-0-01399-6
Kasikorn Bank: Account No. 192-3-59782-0
"We will get through this crisis together."
