Solution that Mitigates the Impact of Devastating Flooding and Droughts Unveiled in Chiangmai

At the Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Chiangmai, AGT International, one of the fastest growing safety and security solutions organisations in the world, and local partner Loxley Group unveiled the world’s first truly integrated national water resource management solution for Thailand. Designed to mitigate the impact of flooding and drought, the solution has been shortlisted by the Government of Thailand as part of their drive to become a world water management leader.

Live demonstrations of the solution were available at the conference and delegates were shown the range of measures which include the establishment of a command center and data warehouse. They are designed to prevent and mitigate the impact of floods and droughts, as well as ensuring that sufficient water resources are available to support the country’s rapid development. The solution includes the most advanced unified simulation and modelling tools, which are capable of predicting and assessing both floods and droughts, so the Thai authorities have time to effectively resource and manage emergency situations.

AGT International’s system will integrate and standardise Thailand’s water and weather related data from many sources and formats into one integrated national data warehouse. Its advanced water and weather modeling and simulation tools will support the Thai authorities in making informed decisions by predicting how real situations will unfold; evaluating and optimising responses to various flood and drought water situations by running a range of scenarios; calculating evaluation routes and potential damage; testing and strengthening emergency plans; enabling local exercises on accurately modelled scenarios to maximise preparedness; recommending the most effective allocation of limited resources during emergencies and routine operation; and highlighting how to optimise the operations of water infrastructure – including gates and pumps – which will considerably reduce the effects of flooding.

Mati Kochavi, Founder and CEO of AGT International, said: “As water becomes an increasingly valuable resource, mitigating the risk of both flood and drought will be critical. We are delighted to be able to showcase the world’s first truly integrated national water resource management solution which can save lives, property and livelihoods.

“The AGT International / Loxley consortium has a unique blend of advanced technology, international experience integrating and deploying complex and innovative safety and security projects. Combining this with local water infrastructure experience and knowledge means we are ideally placed to deliver an innovative solution to Thailand’s water management challenges.”

’As the majority of Thailand’s economy is agriculture-based, using innovative technology to manage water resources means our farmers will be able to cultivate and generate more produce. This will bring increased value per rai. At the same time, during the rainy season we will be able to regulate and manage water flows to reduce the impact of massive flooding”, Mr. Dhongchai Lamsam, President of Loxley Pcl, explained.

“It is vital that any Thai water management system is sustainable for the future. This is best done through a comprehensive capability building program that facilitates collaborative research, knowledge transfer, training and development of added-value capabilities. Local resources and expertise should be used to ensure the system and supporting eco-system is self-sustaining for the nation”.

As well as videos on the proposed water management solution for Thailand, delegates at the conference were also shown examples of AGT International’s water management solutions and innovation in other parts of the world. AGT International currently operates a flood management system on the Yellow River in Dayulan (Zhengzhou) in the Henan province in China. It is based on advanced sensors, placed along and within the dikes, and includes a central command and control center. As a result, the system operates as an early warning system, so the impact of predicted floods can be modeled, including any likely dike breach. AGT International also manages a pilot project in the Netherlands, LiveDijk Utrecht, which provides insight into the condition of two dikes in the province of Utrecht. The pilot, executed in collaboration with Netherlands’ Organisation for applied-scientific Research TNO, provides data that enables the authorities to manage and maintain the dikes. It uses real-time data analysis to assess risks such as dike stability, possible dike breaches and flooding.