PM concerns over flood situation

BANGKOK, Sept 3 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is worrying about the flood situation after heavy rains in the past week raised water levels significantly in the country's major dams, according to Government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd. Lt Gen Sansern said that Gen Prayut had been receiving daily reports of water levels in all of the major dams in the country. The Vajiralongkorn Dam will increase its water drainage between September 4-7 while the Srinagarind Dam will be doing the same between September 7-13. This massive drainage will mean that low lying areas along the Chao Phraya River downstream are now in risk of being flooded. Gen Prayut has told authorities in the most flood prone provinces of Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkram, Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong and Ayutthaya to make preparations to minimise damages in case of indundation. Meanwhile, the rise in the Mekong River also now threatens a number of northeastern provinces such as Nakhon Phanom and announcements have been made for residents living in risky area to move their valuable items and farm animals to higher ground. The spokesman meanwhile reported that at present, eight provinces are hitting by flood in varying degrees. These include Nakhon Phanom, Beung Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Petchaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chaiyaphum, Kalasin and Ubon Ratchathani. The authorities are now rushing to drain the flood water out of the area and distribute emergency relief aid packages to affected victims. (TNA)