15 April 2025
53695
2025-04-15 14:31
On the morning of April 14, Union Minister for Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation U Min Naung and responsible officials conducted an on-site inspection of the Hsin-Thay Dam located over the Hsin-Thay Dam Creek in May Zali Kyin Village, Tatkone Township, Nay Pyi Taw. They assessed the water storage capacity, structural integrity, and irrigation water distribution of the dam.
Following the Mandalay earthquake on March 28, cracks including longitudinal, transverse, and oblique fissures were found in the dam’s upper and lower slopes. However, geophysical testing (using electrical resistivity measurement methods) and visual inspections confirmed that the earthquake-induced cracks only extend to a depth of about 6.5 feet and do not compromise the dam’s stability. The cracks have since been filled with sand, the surface compacted with selected backfill, and covered with waterproof sheets. Authorities continue to monitor the dam in real-time for any further changes or developments.
The Hsin-Thay Dam, a zoned earth-fill dam standing 109 feet high and 1,350 feet long, supplies water to over 10,000 acres of farmland via the Hsin-Thay Diversion Weir near Dahatkone Village.
Due to the Mandalay earthquake, the main water distribution channel and the wing walls of the Hsin-Thay diversion weir had collapsed. The Department of Water Resources and Irrigation Management undertook repairs and managed to resume water supply by April 8. However, due to the two slight earthquakes with over 4-Richter Scale on April 11, caused a blowout beneath the diversion weir’s main structure, leading to uncontrolled water discharge into the Hsin Thay Creek. This temporarily halted water supply to the irrigation system on April 12. To prevent crop damage within the irrigation system, staff from the Department of Irrigation and Water Utilization Management are working tirelessly, utilizing machinery and coordinating with local farmers to ensure efficient water distribution.
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