More discharges ordered at dams to prepare for new storms

BANGKOK, Aug 3 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Chatchai Sarikulya has ordered more but careful discharges at dams to prepare the country for new storms. Reserved water was rising unusually fast at many dams due to storms, so concerned organizations were ordered to increase their discharges, however, at levels suitable for their local areas, Gen Chatchai said. His order went to the Royal Irrigation Department and the Department of Water Resources. The Royal Irrigation Department would inspect the reserved water of medium and large-scaled dams and local administration organizations would check the conditions of small dams, the deputy prime minister said. They were instructed to follow the order on Aug 1 to prepare the country for new storms, Gen Chatchai said. He assured that he and relevant authorities were monitoring weather and water situations closely and relevant officials would issue swift warnings on possible impacts to local residents. (TNA)