NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Water levels in five major reservoirs in this northeastern province remain low despite heavy rains from a summer thunderstorm that pounded several areas.
The five reservoirs — Lam Takhong, Lam Phra Ploeng, Mun Bon, Lam Sae and Lam Plaima — were now filled to only 20% of their total holding capacity, Chidchanok Somprasert, director of the Irrigation Office Zone 8, said on Saturday.
Lam Takhong in Si Khiu district contained 51 million cubic metres, or 16.2% of its holding capacity of 314.5 million. Lam Phra Ploeng in Pak Thong Chai holds 22.9 milllion cu m (21.2%); Mun Bon in Khon Buri district has 25.9 million cu m (19.4%) and Lam Sae in the same district has 44.1 million cu m (16.5%). Water in the Lam Plaimat reservoir in Soeng Sang district totals 34.9 million cu m, or 39.4% of its holding capacity.
The water stored in the reservoirs was lower than expected for this time of year and given recent weather events, said Mr Chidchanok.
Over the past two weeks, summer storms have lashed the province, causing heavy downpours in several areas. However, the storms did not bring up the water levels in the reservoirs as the heaviest rain took place in areas behind the reservoirs.
Irrigation officials plan to meet with representatives of other agencies in mid-June to work out a detailed water management plan, said Mr Chidchanok.
