PM expresses concern over flooding in South, Bangkok floods decreasing
BANGKOK, Nov 26 -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday expressed worry over floods in the southern provinces, saying she has instructed the Interior Ministry to closely monitor the situation in Songkhla, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Addressing the public on her weekly TV and Radio programme, "Yingluck Government meets the People," the premier said the flood in the southern provinces resulting from heavy rain was worrisome and special attention should be focused on risk-prone areas, especially Sadao district of Songkhla, which could be affected by floodwater from neighbouring Malaysia.
She said the southern region was experiencing its monsoon season which caused heavy rain, so that people who lived by rivers in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang and Satun should be aware of possible flash floods, forest run-off and water overflow from rivers.
Fishermen should also be careful of high waves.
Deputy Prime Minister Pol Gen Kowit Wattana and Deputy Minister of Public Health Torphong Chaiyasarn were instructed to help those who were affected from the flood, she said.
As for flooding in Bangkok, Ms Yingluck said the situation had improved significantly as in many areas water was decreasing and have totally dried in some areas.
She said plans to drain water in Bangkok and adjacent provinces would be adjusted as the direction of floodwater has changed.
The Bangkok governor and governors of six provinces surrounding the capital would meet to find a mutual solution to adjust the plan, while the 'Big Bag' barrier, made up of oversized sand bags, would be dismantled at some parts or adjusted for more effective drainage of water.
She said the first meeting of Strategic Formulation Committee for Water Resources Management (SCWRM) on Tuesday has agreed to ask international agencies to be consultants, giving recommendations and exchange experience with Thailand.
T! wo more sub-committees were appointed. The first one focusing on urgent projects, will be chaired by Pitipong Puengboon Na Ayutthaya, former permanent secretary to the Agriculture Ministry.
The second one will focus on long-term project development and sustainable water management, and will be chaired by Kijja Pholphasi, former director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department. (MCOT online news)
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