Government closely monitors possible occur of natural disaster

BANGKOK, Oct 1 (TNA) -- Deputy Prime Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya said the goverment has closely monitor the possible natural disaster that may occur in the country in the wake of the massive earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia. Gen Chatchai stated that after earthquake and tsimami at the Palu City, the government was not taking any chances and has ordered all relevant departments to closely monitor the situation. With regards to flood management Gen Chatchai said that the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) was doing its job well, affecting sustained monitoring and corrective action on a weekly basis since the rainy season began. He stated that ONWR is now shift some of its priorities to drought management as the dry season looms. Gen Chatchai said one good indicator of the success of the government's water management policy is the substantial drop in flood and drought compensation payments made by state agencies. As further proof of this, Gen Chatchai said that between 2015 and 2017 the government has not issued any drought crisis alert at all, which means that most of the drought remidy budget has not been used. (TNA)