Thai researchers are presently raising the alarm as they predict a potential drought crisis in the coming years, as a result of El Nino weather sample causing lower than common rainfall. Consequently, proactive measures and complete water administration plans are urgently wanted to mitigate the influence of the upcoming water shortage.
A conference discussing local weather change, water useful resource management, and techniques for tackling future challenges was just lately held by the Thailand Science Research and Innovation (TSRI). Researchers and officials from associated companies attended the event to share their knowledge on the problem.
A TSRI-sponsored analysis group shared their findings, forecasting a extremely likely interval of decreased rainfall lasting till 2028. Chalump Oonariya, a researcher from the Meteorological Department, explained that the effects of El Nino are anticipated to persist for the subsequent five years, inflicting a lower in average rainfall. The south of Thailand is predicted to experience severe drought in 2025, and by 2028 extensive drought circumstances will doubtless affect larger areas.
However, a study is underway to look at the correlation between rainfall, streamflow, and soil moisture in order to devise drought preparation strategies to battle the continued Thai drought. Kanoksri Sarinnapakom, chief of the climate and weather division at the Hydro-Informatics Institute, emphasised the importance of making ready for uncertainties due to El Nino’s lasting results, which will result in decreased rainfall and increased drought likelihood.
Chaiyapong Thepprasit, head of the irrigation engineering department at Kasetsart University’s faculty of engineering, introduced an assessment of water-storage necessities for the 2023-2024 dry season. By studying water circulate into the Bhumibol Dam in Tak province and Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province, it’s estimated that the Bhumibol Dam will hold approximately 7.ninety eight billion cubic metres of water, or 44% above the typical amount over the previous 23 years, whereas the Sirikit Dam will maintain 3.21 billion cu/m, which is 46% lower than the average amount over the previous 15 years.
Water supplies
Although heavy rainfall is predicted between subsequent month and August, Thepprasit added that El Nino will unlikely trigger important harm this yr as there are at present sufficient water supplies within the nation. However, Fortune of Thai drought might deteriorate if low rainfall continues for a protracted period, reported Bangkok Post.
Thanet Somboon, director of the Bureau of Water Management and Hydrology under the Department of Royal Irrigation, acknowledged the challenges of water administration through the season of Thai drought. Despite drought circumstances, some farmers proceed to plant rice on more than 2.2 million rai of land, requiring the division to launch water from dams to support them. Somboon confirmed that measures have been applied to ensure enough water supplies for each consumption and agriculture. Thanet said…
“Next yr, we expect round 9 billion cu/m of water for use and consumed. We will guarantee that there’s enough water for consumption and the preservation of the ecological system. We also plan to allocate 5 billion cu/m of water to the farming sector.”
The World Meteorological Organization lately reported that the probability of El Nino developing later this 12 months is increasing.
This occasion would create the alternative impact on weather and climate patterns compared to the long-lasting La Nina, triggering higher world temperatures and Thai drought circumstances..