Dam bursts causing severe floods in northern Thailand

This is the dramatic moment a dam burst as heavy rain battered northeast Thailand - flooding surrounding homes.

Footage shows the dirt bank collapsing as water surged from the overflowing Huay Chiang Kham Reservoir in Maha Sarakham province on July 16.

The torrent washed away a section of a road, and spilled over into nearby agricultural areas in the Borabue district. Dozens of residents and their pets had to be evacuated by rescue teams.

Officials said water level at the reservoir was at 2.7 million cubic metres on July 15. However, torrential rains on Tuesday added three million cubic metres more, causing the dam to go 700,000 cubic metres above its capacity.

The dam then burst and caused floods up to 7 feet deep, submerging some 3,000 acreas of land.

Chonlasak Suksee, director of the Maha Sarakham Irrigation Project, said that the Huay Chiang Kham Reservoir's wall was not damaged.

He added: 'The Royal Irrigation Department is in the process of expanding the overflow gate at the reservoir, from 4x4 metres to 6x6 metres, and a temporary dirt bank has been built to prepare for the construction.'

The dirt bank was seen on video crumbling against the current.

The Maha Sarakham Irrigation Project said that they mobilised machinery, tools, and staff to address the dam leakage.

Authorities said a dike with floodgates will also be constructed for the controlled release of water during the country's rainy season.

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.