Trat authorities drain reservoirs to prepare for heavy monsoon rains

Authorities in Trat Province, Thailand, are taking proactive measures to prepare for heavy monsoon rains expected between September 24 and 27, 2026. The Trat Irrigation Project has significantly reduced water levels in the Sra Si Siat Reservoir, opening floodgates to their maximum capacity to drain water into the Bang Phra Canal. This has brought the reservoir's volume to below 10% of its 3.3 million cubic meter capacity to create space for incoming rainfall.

In addition to the Sra Si Siat Reservoir, several other reservoirs including Khao Rakam, Khlong Sano, and Huai Raeng have also undergone water drawdown procedures. To assist with rapid drainage, two large water pumps have been deployed at the Sra Si Siat site.

The Trat Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command has issued an urgent directive for agencies to monitor risks of flash floods, forest runoffs, landslides, and strong winds. Officials have been instructed to maintain 24-hour surveillance, particularly in flood-prone areas, hillsides, and natural tourist attractions, with orders to close high-risk areas immediately if conditions deteriorate.