UBON RATCHATHANI, Sept 13 (TNA) — The director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department was sent to Ubon Ratchathani to cope with the heaviest flooding in 17 years as deluges of water is flowing through the northeastern province into the Mekong river.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on said he ordered Thongplew Kongjun, director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, to directly supervise flood responses in Ubon Ratchathani as the flood level in the province was deeper than that in 2002.
The minister said that floodwater was expanding in Warin Chamrap district and officials were trying to protect commercial areas in Muang district of Ubon Ratchathani.
“Machines, equipment and officials have been mobilized to drain water into the Mekong river as soon as possible. The situation must be alleviated before the end of this month to limit people’s hardship. I am concerned about rain in flooded areas due to a low pressure system as the rainy season has not ended,” Mr Chalermchai said.
Mr Thongplew said rain raised the river level in Muang district of Ubon Ratchathani and floodwater was overflowing from sewer hole covers.
More than 100 pumps and water propellers were being installed in Ubon Ratchathani to drain water into the Mekong river as soon as possible, he said. He expected water levels to be stable in Muang district for a week. (TNA)
