Rainfall Reduction in Southern Thailand Prompts Strategic Water Release from Bang Lang Dam.

Bangkok: Rainfall in southern Thailand has decreased, prompting the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office to closely monitor the release of water from Bang Lang Dam. The aim is to manage water levels appropriately without adversely affecting downstream areas. Concurrently, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is deploying resources to assist residents in the South until conditions improve. According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, deputy government spokeswoman, disclosed that the Meteorological Department has observed a slight reduction in rainfall for today and tomorrow (1-2 December) across six southern provinces: Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang, and Satun. Despite the decrease, thunderstorms are expected to persist in these areas. Ms. Sasikarn explained that heavy rainfall has recently impacted the lower southern region. In response, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand temporarily halted water release from Bang Lang Dam, which has accumu lated over 400 million cubic meters in the past week. To maintain optimal water levels and prevent future risks, the Bang Lang Dam Water Management Working Group has decided to release water in a controlled cascade pattern, ranging from 138.38 to 185.18 cubic meters per second, to minimize downstream flooding. The NESDB meeting underscored the necessity of minimizing the impact of water discharge on downstream areas. An analysis indicated that the combined water volume reaching the X40A monitoring station in Muang District, Yala Province, should not exceed 1,400 cubic meters per second, which remains below the maximum threshold of 1,500 cubic meters per second. Authorities have communicated with downstream communities, warning low-lying areas and preparing personnel to assist those at risk, according to Ms. Sasikarn. Nonetheless, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reports ongoing flooding in seven provinces: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. The floods have affected 78 districts, 508 sub-districts, 3,387 villages, and 617,386 households. Efforts have been made to evacuate residents to safe areas and temporary shelters, accommodating a total of 14,855 people in 213 locations. Ms. Sasikarn stated that government agencies, including military, civilian, and volunteer groups, are mobilizing personnel and equipment to assist affected communities. A total of 3,470 personnel and volunteers, along with 2,073 units of equipment, are ready to provide support. Additionally, a KA-32 disaster relief helicopter, equipped with a rescue team, is stationed in the southern region to aid in ongoing relief efforts until the situation stabilizes.