Chao Phraya River Basin water level is manageable

BANGKOK, Sept 3 (TNA) -- The water situation in Chao Phraya River basin was not worrisome as the water level was still below the critical level but the provincial governors in flood prone provinces were instructed to make preparations to quickly response as a precaution, Interior Minister Anupong Paochinda said. Gen Anuphong said that the daily water reports from the Irrigation Department indicate that water level was still within manageable levels. Currently, the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat province is draining water at less than 800 cubic meters per second. Low lying areas such as those in Bang Ban, Sena and Phak Hai districts in Ayuthaya province could see some flooding. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation was coordinating with provincial governors to organise relief efforts and the provision for victims in these low lying areas. Gen Anuphong said that the government was sticking to its policy to not support off-season rice cultivation so that the vast rice fields within the Chao Phraya River Basin can be used to retain excess rainwater during the rainy season. This plan has been tested in previous years and has proven effective in controlling flooding, he added. (TNA)