Experts warn of water scarcity
Low levels at dams could lead to problems if resources not carefully managed. While there is enough water available, resources have to be managed very carefully, as water experts have warned that mismanagement could result in serious problems. Sucharit Koontanakulvong, head of water resources engineering at Chulalongkorn University, pointed out that even though the water level in our reservoirs looks positive, the authorities should be careful as the current level of water in dams was still quite low. The Bhumibol Dam, one of the country’s major reservoirs, is just about 38 per cent full. Other key dams namely Sirikit, Pasak Jolasid and Kwai Noi, are also less than half full. “As predicted there will be more rain throughout September and some places can be hit by flash floods. However, from October onwards, the precipitation will fall and we will enter the dry season,” Sucharit said. Floods have already hit many provinces such as Phichit, Phitsanulok and Prachin Buri.
