Water releases from Pranburi Reservoir will increase from 9am on Thursday (1 October) after storage reached nearly 80% of capacity, with residents along the Pranburi River urged to prepare for rising river levels.
The Pranburi Irrigation and Maintenance Project said the reservoir holds 310.76 million cubic metres of water, equivalent to 79.48% of its capacity. The level exceeds the control threshold set under its water management plan, with further inflows expected.
The discharge rate will increase in stages from 10 to 20 and then 30 cubic metres per second, with a maximum rate of 50 cubic metres per second. The releases are intended to create more space for incoming water and reduce the risks associated with further increases in storage.
Pranburi Reservoir releases could raise river levels by 1–2 metres
File photo
Water levels in the Pranburi River are expected to rise gradually by approximately 1–2 metres. The extent of the rise will depend on rainfall, inflows from tributaries and local flow conditions.
Officials said the river at the PR-1 water level monitoring station can accommodate flows of up to 120 cubic metres per second. Based on available information, they do not expect adverse impacts from the planned releases, which will remain controlled and closely monitored.
As a precaution, residents, farmers and business operators along the river and in low-lying areas have been advised to move machinery, tools, agricultural equipment, produce and other belongings to safe locations.
Relevant agencies have been asked to circulate the warning, while residents should follow official announcements and online updates.
The project said it would notify agencies and the public in advance if changing conditions required the discharge rate to be increased or reduced.