Koh Kong Flood Woes: Residents Brace for Extended Flooding During Loy Krathong
Residents of Koh Kong, Sukhothai, are facing a prolonged period of flooding that has been ongoing since August. With concerns that the situation may extend until the Loy Krathong festival in November, locals are bracing themselves for the challenges ahead. This annual flooding is not a new phenomenon for the residents, as they have been dealing with similar issues for as long as they can remember.
Water levels in the Yom River, located in the northern part of Sukhothai province, have been gradually decreasing in recent days. This decrease has resulted in a reduction of water levels throughout the province, providing some relief to the affected areas. However, due to the Yom River’s narrow, bottleneck shape and the lack of sufficient water storage facilities, excess water must be quickly released downstream.
At the Ban Yang Sai sluice gate in Yang Sai subdistrict, Mueang district, Sukhothai, continuous water discharge from the Yom River is ongoing to prevent further flooding. The Meteorological Department of Thailand has issued warnings about Typhoon Yagi, which is expected to bring heavy rainfall and trigger flash floods in the northern region. In anticipation of these additional water inflows, officials have been expediting water discharge from the Yom River to mitigate the impact.
Officials have reported that the Ban Yang Sai sluice gate has been opened, with seven gates raised to seven meters high. This has allowed water to flow into Kong Krailat district and Bang Rakam district, which are located downstream of Sukhothai. As a result, there has been an accumulation of water in the Yom River, with the water level reaching 46.99 meters in the front, 46.99 meters in the rear, a water depth of 5.49 meters, and a capacity of 4.55 million cubic meters, representing 78.43% of its storage capacity.
The overflow of water has had a significant impact on the residents living along the Yom River in Pak Phra subdistrict, Mueang Sukhothai district, and Kong Krailat district. Three villages in the middle of the Yom River in Kong subdistrict have been particularly affected, forcing residents to rely on boats for transportation. Wongduan, a 60-year-old resident of Koh Kong, shared that the flooding began in early August and is expected to last until the Loy Krathong festival, approximately a four-month period. Residents have been using boats to enter and exit their homes, making daily life and work challenging.
Subheadings:
The Impact of the Floods on Koh Kong Residents
Efforts to Mitigate the Flooding Situation
Preparing for the Challenges Ahead
The Impact of the Floods on Koh Kong Residents
The prolonged flooding in Koh Kong has taken a toll on the daily lives of the residents, who are struggling to cope with the challenges brought about by the rising waters. Wongduan, a long-time resident of the area, shared her concerns about the situation and how it has disrupted the normal routines of the community.
“We have been dealing with flooding for as long as I can remember, but this year seems to be particularly severe,” Wongduan stated. “The water levels have been rising steadily, and we are now forced to rely on boats to get around. It’s not easy for us to go about our daily activities, such as going to work or buying groceries.”
The flooding has also led to the isolation of certain villages in the area, making it difficult for residents to access essential services and resources. With the situation expected to continue until the Loy Krathong festival, residents are bracing themselves for an extended period of hardship.
Efforts to Mitigate the Flooding Situation
In response to the ongoing flooding, officials have been working tirelessly to mitigate the impact on the affected areas. The opening of the Ban Yang Sai sluice gate and the raising of its gates have been crucial in managing the water levels in the Yom River and preventing further inundation of the surrounding villages.
Additionally, the Meteorological Department of Thailand’s warnings about Typhoon Yagi have prompted officials to take proactive measures to prepare for the anticipated heavy rainfall and potential flash floods. By expediting water discharge from the Yom River, authorities are hoping to minimize the risk of further damage to the communities along the riverbanks.
Preparing for the Challenges Ahead
As residents of Koh Kong brace themselves for the extended period of flooding, they are doing their best to adapt to the challenging conditions. With boats becoming the primary mode of transportation, residents are finding ways to navigate the flooded streets and access essential services.
Despite the difficulties they are facing, the resilience of the community shines through as they come together to support each other during this trying time. With the Loy Krathong festival fast approaching, residents are hoping for a reprieve from the flooding and a chance to celebrate the festival in peace.
In conclusion, the residents of Koh Kong are facing a tough battle against the persistent floods that have plagued their community for months. With the situation expected to continue until the Loy Krathong festival, residents are coming together to support each other and weather the storm. As officials work to mitigate the impact of the flooding and prepare for the challenges ahead, the resilience of the community shines through in the face of adversity.