Royal Irrigation Department gears up for El Niño dry spells

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) is intensifying nation-wide water management and maximising reservoir storage to mitigate the impacts of impending dry spells, following official confirmation that Thailand is experiencing the El Niño climate phenomenon.

The proactive measures come in response to assessments from the Thai Meteorological Department, warning that several areas of the country could experience below-normal rainfall and prolonged dry spells.

According to today’s report from the RID’s Smart Water Operation Centre, major and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide currently hold a combined 42.636 billion cubic metres of water, representing 56% of their total capacity.

Meanwhile, the reservoirs behind the four principal dams regulating the key Chao Phraya River basin, namely Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwai Noi Bamrung and Pasak Chonlasit, hold a combined 12.953 billion cubic meters of water, or 52% of their collective capacity.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit stated that, as the effects of El Niño are projected to intensify, the risk of severe dry spells remains high in multiple regions. In response, he has ordered the RID to monitor precipitation patterns, water volumes and weather conditions closely and in real-time.

“The department has been instructed to integrate its operations and data systems with the Thai Meteorological Department and other relevant agencies via the nationwide water situation monitoring and evaluation network,” he said, adding that this integration aims to improve predictive analysis and allow swift adjustments to water management plans as conditions evolve.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted the necessity of revising reservoir operation guidelines, known as the "Rule Curve," to inject more flexibility into water management. Suriya explained that this adjustment is designed to enhance efficiency in trapping and storing as much water as possible during the tail end of the rainy season, ensuring adequate reserves for consumption, ecological preservation, agriculture and industrial sectors during the subsequent dry season.

The RID has also prepared machinery, tools and personnel across risk-prone areas nationwide. Such deployments include water pumps, water pushers and various heavy support machinery. Irrigation structures, flood barriers and embankments are also undergoing strict functionality checks.

Meanwhile, the department is also building awareness and ramping up its public relations efforts to keep farmers, water-user groups and local administrative organisations continuously informed about the water situation and weather outlook. This continuous flow of information is intended to foster collaborative water-use planning, reduce risks associated with dry spells and safeguard agricultural yields.

The public is urged to monitor official updates around the clock, as authorities coordinate efforts to guarantee water security through to the dry season of 2027.