Bangkok: Deputy Prime Minister Prasert ordered the National Water Resources and Environmental Protection Agency (NWR) to expedite the assessment of the impacts of Tropical Storm Kajiki and prepare a three-level response plan, as well as monitor major dams. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Prasert Chantarawongthong, in his capacity as Chairman of the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC), revealed that the government is fully prepared to deal with Tropical Storm Kajiki, as the tropical depression in the upper South China Sea intensifies and is expected to make landfall in northern Vietnam and Laos on August 25-26.
According to Thai News Agency, the combined influence of Tropical Storm Kajiki and the strengthening southwest monsoon is expected to put many areas of Thailand at risk of heavy to very heavy rainfall and increased water inflow into large dams, potentially exacerbating the impacts of Tropical Storm Wipha. The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) and related agencies have been ordered to closely monitor the water situation at all dams, particularly large dams with high water levels, such as the Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit Province. They have also been ordered to adjust water discharge plans in advance to accommodate the increased water volume from this wave of rain. They emphasized that the impact on downstream areas should be considered to minimize the risk to the public.
The government is prepared to manage water according to three levels of severity under the Water Resources Act 2018. Level 1 involves flooded areas not exceeding two provinces, with a flood depth of less than 0.5 meters, a duration not exceeding 15 days, and no tendency to spread, overseen by the Secretary-General of the ONWR. Level 2 pertains to flooding in more than two provinces, especially economic or fragile areas, with a depth of more than 0.5 meters, lasting more than 15 days and a tendency to spread, managed by a Deputy Prime Minister assigned as the Director of the National Water Command. Level 3 covers a widespread water crisis with flooding in more than two provinces, a depth greater than 1 meter, flooding for more than 30 days, and spreading widely, affecting life, safety, and the economy, with a special command center established and the Prime Minister as commander-in-chief.
Mr. Prasert confirmed that the government has prepared contingency plans at all levels and will manage water efficiently. He has ordered all agencies to continuously assess the situation and provide advance warnings to the public to minimize risks and impacts.