Addressing Flooding in Ubon Ratchathani: Comprehensive Solutions and Progress

Thailand's northeastern region, particularly the province of Ubon Ratchathani, has been facing severe flooding challenges due to heavy rainfall. The Thai government, in conjunction with the Irrigation Department, has been actively exploring various flood mitigation strategies.

Strategies and Solutions

The government has proposed a two-pronged strategy to address these issues. The first involves the construction of more small lakes within each village. This approach aims to better distribute the excess water and provide natural storage, thereby reducing the risk of flooding downstream.

The second strategy involves the expansion and deepening of existing ponds and lakes. Specifically, the focus is on the Chaiyaphum watershed, which receives a significant portion of the floodwaters from the Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mahasarakham, and the Chaiyaphum provinces. However, the dams in these areas often fail to hold the floodwater, leading to significant downstream inundation.

Progress on Proposed Plans

One of the major initiatives involves using existing water gates along the Chee River. This strategy aims to slow down the water release from the rivers feeding into Ubon Ratchathani, particularly the Kilometer 38 point of the Chee River, which is crucial for managing the inflow from the Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mahasarakham, and Roi-et provinces.

Another critical component is the construction of a new canal and water management facilities in Khueang Nai district. This project, priced at 310 million Thai Baht, is expected to begin in 2020. It aims to improve flood water management by providing a more controlled outflow of water.

The situation with the Mun River presents its own set of challenges. The river, which flows into Ubon Ratchathani and onward to Khong Jiam district, has been obstructed due to the Kaeng Saphue cataract. To mitigate this issue, plans have been drawn up to install 260 water pumping machines for water transfer to the Mekong River, a process that would take approximately 25 days to complete. Additionally, plans are underway to dig a bypass canal around the Kaeng Saphue cataract.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

While significant progress has been made, the ongoing efforts by the Thai government and the Irrigation Department remain crucial. These comprehensive strategies aim to provide a more sustainable solution to flooding in Ubon Ratchathani, improving both the immediate relief and long-term management of these natural disasters.

As these projects progress, it is essential to monitor their effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the safety and well-being of the local communities.