Officials have begun releasing water from Pranburi Reservoir to create space for further rainfall, after its water volume reached 82% of capacity in the update issued on Saturday, 3 October.
Irrigation officials said the Pranburi River remained within its normal range and could accommodate the releases. Residents downstream and in low-lying areas have nevertheless been advised to follow official updates as more rain is forecast.
At 6am on Saturday, the reservoir held approximately 321.55 million cubic metres of water, equivalent to 82.24% of its 391-million-cubic-metre capacity.
Water was flowing into the reservoir at approximately 8.92 million cubic metres per day. Combined releases and supplies to irrigation canals and water supply systems totalled approximately 5.29 million cubic metres per day, meaning incoming water continued to exceed the amount leaving.
The total included 2.16 million cubic metres discharged through the spillway, 2.59 million supplied to irrigation canals and water supply systems, and 540,000 cubic metres released into the original river channel for domestic use and to support the ecosystem.
More rain expected as officials monitor downstream conditions
The operation to lower the reservoir’s water level began on 1 October, ahead of a forecast spell of rain and possible storm conditions affecting the area between 5 and 8 October.
Prachuap Khiri Khan Deputy Governor Preeda Sukjai visited the reservoir project on 1 October to review water management plans with irrigation officials, disaster prevention authorities and local representatives.
Officials said discharge rates would be adjusted according to rainfall, incoming water and downstream conditions. Some released water would also be directed into community ponds and storage areas where possible for future use.
Measurements taken at monitoring station PR-1 near the Phetkasem Road bridge on 3 October showed the Pranburi River’s water level at 3.41 metres, remaining 2.99 metres below the riverbank level.
Authorities said monitoring would continue around the clock, with equipment and personnel ready to assist residents if needed.
People living along the Pranburi River and in low-lying areas are advised to monitor government announcements and take appropriate steps to protect property, machinery and agricultural produce.
