Flood Monitoring Center to Keep Vigilance over Potential Flooding Events
Front-Line Water Management Center Established in Northern Thailand to Manage Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risks
In response to concerns about widespread flooding during the upcoming rainy season, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) has inaugurated a front-line water management center in Northern Thailand. The move follows forecasts by the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) and Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) predicting heavy to extremely heavy rainfall across the northern and northeastern regions, as well as in bordering Laos, until late May 2023.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, who chairs the National Water Resources Committee (NWRC), issued the directive for the center's creation. The water management facility's primary objective is to rehearse emergency response plans, maintain readiness for flood management, and closely monitor rainfall patterns as the rainy season progresses.
The initial meeting for the new facility was led by the ONWR's deputy secretary-general, Paitoon Kengkarnchang, in Chiang Rai province. The meeting brought together various officials from local agencies, the Royal Thai Army's Engineer Department, the Thai Meteorological Department, the Department of Water Resources, and the Hydro-Informatics Institute, among others.
One of the hardest-hit areas as a result of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding has been a commercial area in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai. This issue mirrors incidents from last year, with recent heavy rainfall recorded in various parts of the country since mid-May. The need for the water management center arose from these developments and geographical risk factors.
To support localized flood preparedness and response, agencies have been instructed to refine flood monitoring and warning systems in Mae Sai district, utilizing flood map data and meteorological radar information from the TMD. The Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) will contribute by supporting water management planning in the district using advanced technologies such as Mobile Mapping Systems (MMS) and online 3D map display systems.
Meanwhile, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) and the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) will make adjustments to reservoir management plans to minimize the impact on the public and preserve available capacity in critical reservoirs.
In addition to immediate action, collaborative research efforts involving government agencies and academic institutions have been initiated to develop improved flood forecasting and mitigation methods. Insights on vulnerable areas will be leveraged to fortify preparedness measures and enhance warnings.
As of the latest updates, floods in Chiang Mai have impacted six districts, 19 tambons (subdistricts), and 32 villages. Doi Lo and San Pa Tong districts have been the most impacted areas, with flash floods and mudslides occurring due to continuous heavy rainfall over the course of May 2023. Local authorities have been swift in offering assistance and issuing warnings to residents.
While this integrated approach focuses on addressing immediate concerns, it also fosters a more resilient and proactive approach to water management in the region for the future.
[1] Sources: Thai Meteorological Department, Hydro-Informatics Institute
- Given the ongoing climate-change patterns, the environmental-science community will greatly benefit from the latest data and insights gathered at the Front-Line Water Management Center, which is monitoring rainfall patterns and implementing flood management strategies during the upcoming season.
- As the Front-Line Water Management Center advances its mission to fortify flood mitigation methods, the scientific study of science and weather patterns, particularly those related to climate-change and its impact on the environment, will be crucial in predicting and preparing for future weather disruptions in the region.
