Government to open water monitoring center

BANGKOK, Aug 2 (TNA) - The government will open the special center to monitor the country’s water situation around the clock on Friday as the country’s overall water situation is now in the “yellow” warning status. The Secretary-General of the National Water Resource Office Somkiart Prachamwong, said the new joint operation center will gather all information about the water resource and the water situation in the country under coordination of officials from related agencies. The center will process the data that will be used by all agencies in the comprehensive water management. Deputy Prime Minister, Chatchai Sarikulya has authority to make a decision and issues orders for agencies concerned for quick operation. The overall water situation in the country is currently in the yellow alert status, which means it needs close monitoring. Meanwhile, a new storm is forecast to hit Thailand in mid-August. Mr Somkiart said initially, 11 reservoirs are under close watch. Now, two reservoirs in Sakhon Nakhon and Phetchaburi hold the water more than 80 per cent of their capacity. The water must be released from the two reservoirs, so the stored water drops to the proper level within five days. Regarding the water situation in the Northeast, he said the Mekong River is likely to keep rising in Loei, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan. It may rise to 0.70-1 metre if China and Laos discharge water from the dams. Thai authorities will work with those countries on their water drainage plans to be prepared an increase in the water level. (TNA)