A prolonged dry spell linked to the incoming “super El Niño” is reducing water supplies in Nakhon Ratchasima province, as Songkhla province in the South prepares for possible flooding.
The Nakhon Ratchasima Irrigation Project reported that the Lam Takhong reservoir, one of the four main reservoirs in the northeastern province, holds 105.01 million cubic metres of water. This amount accounts for 33.39% of the reservoir’s total capacity. However, the usable water is only 82.29 million cubic metres, which represents just 28.21% of the total capacity.
The reservoir received only 0.583 million cubic metres of water on Thursday, leading to a total inflow of 57.47 million cubic metres for the year, which is 22.11% of capacity. Currently, the reservoir is releasing about 0.51 million cubic metres daily to meet the needs of tap water, ecological requirements, agriculture and industry. The project says a prolonged drought may persist into next year, emphasising the need for careful water management.
The falling water level has exposed a long stretch of the old Mittraphap Road near Ban Thang Oi in Pak Chong district to vulnerabilities. Farmer Sala Piesai, 67, from tambon Ban Han in Si Khio district, said his 17-rai maize field was drying out after a prolonged period of insufficient rain. He expects losses after investing nearly 40,000 baht, with seed, fertiliser and pesticide costs also rising. He urged the government to stabilise fertiliser and pesticide prices and provide more water sources for farmers.
In Songkhla, seismologist Paiboon Nualnil said rainfall and runoff from upstream areas, particularly Na Mom and Sadao districts, would be decisive for Hat Yai’s flood risk during the rainy season. He urged close monitoring of weather forecasts and rainfall radar, while calling for faster and more accurate warnings to restore public confidence in disaster alerts.
Mr Paiboon said Hat Yai was better prepared this year, with the Royal Irrigation Department, Office of the National Water Resources, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and central government coordinating flood measures. Improvements to the Khlong R1 drainage canal, faster drainage around Khlong Wa and wider waterways should improve flood management, he said.