Residents fear a repeat of severe flooding last seen in 2013
BURI RAM: Water volume in 11 out of 16 medium-sized reservoirs in this northeastern province has exceeded their capacity, with the large Lam Nang Rong Dam overflowing its spillway, sparking fears among residents about a repeat of the severe flooding they experienced in 2013.
Residents of Non Din Daeng district gathered on Saturday near the Lam Nang Rong Dam to witness water overflowing into its spillway after days of heavy rain. Runoff from the Don Yai forest has also flowed into the dam, where total volume was measured at 126 million cubic metres — 5 million cu m above its holding capacity.
Residents expressed fear that excess water might inundate their houses and farmlands in tambon Som Poi as happened in 2013, when vast areas of the low-lying community were badly affected when water overflowed the spillway.
So far, there have been no reports of flooding in the community.
Lam Nang Rong is one of the largest dams in Buri Ram, which has 16 medium-sized reservoirs, 11 of which now exceed their capacity.
The provincial irrigation office says it regularly inspects all dams and reservoirs in the province and has assured residents that the structures are still strong and safe.
The reservoir at the Lam Nang Rong Dam, one of the largest dams in Buri Ram, has exceeded its holding capacity of 121 million cubic metres. (Photo: Surachai Piragsa)