Water level in Northern Thailand dams worrying

BANGKOK, July 7 (TNA) - Two of the largest dams in Northern Thailand, where little rain and inflow resulted in continuous drops in water levels, are beginning to show worrying signs and artificial rain-making may be carried out soon, said permanent secretary for Agriculture and Cooperatives Chavalit Chookajorn. About 5 million cubic metres of water were flowing into Bhumibol and Sirikit dams in Tak and Uttaradit provinces daily, said Mr. Chavalit. But the situation could be alarming if the water volume does not increase in the next two months. He said about 10 million cubic metres of water were being discharged from the two dams daily for consumption and for irrigational purposes. Meanwhile, several southern provinces were hit by flash floods following heavy monsoon rains in the past few days. Disaster officials and military had reported severe conditions in Thai Muang district of Phangnga province, where mudslide had destroying homes and farmland, and cut off road access. (TNA)