Evacuation prepared for people living near Mekong River

BANGKOK, Aug 3 (TNA) – Authorities in provinces facing the Mekong River have been instructed to prepare shelters for the possible evacuation of local residents. Chayapol Thitisak, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said the level of the Mekong River had risen quickly over the past week and the river was likely to overflow to farmland and low-lying areas in the provinces where it passed. “Authorities in the provinces by the Mekong River have been ordered to monitor the level of the river closely and be prepared for higher levels. Pumps must be installed. Sluice gates must be managed to prevent overflows and drain water from the provinces. Local residents must always be informed of local water situations and safe places must be arranged for possible evacuation,” Mr Chayapol said. Similar instructions were also sent to the provinces that would be affected by water quickly discharged from dams as many dams were holding large amounts of water, he said. “Besides, provincial authorities must contact local military units, local administration organizations and volunteers’ organizations to be on standby around the clock for swift rescue operations. People in danger-prone areas must seriously follow news reports and government instructions,” Mr Chayapol said. (TNA)