BANGKOK, Oct 11 (TNA) – Ministries of agriculture, interior and transport are bracing for severe flood threats in the South and focusing on quick drainage.
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on discussed the matter in a meeting with representatives of the Royal Irrigation Department, governors of 16 lower central plain and southern provinces, the Transport Ministry and the Interior Ministry at the Regional Irrigation Office 14 in Prachuab Khiri Khan province.
They responded to the Meteorological Department’s forecast that the monsoon would affect the lower Central Plains and the South from mid-October onwards and flooding would be likely there from late October to December.
“All concerned parties were ordered to be on standby and prepare preventive measures that will minimize impacts and save government budgets,” Mr Chalermchai said.
As mountain ranges stretched along the South lined with coastal strips, heavy rain would cause powerful and quick runoffs. So, floodwater would have to be drained into the sea as soon as possible, he said.
Some roads and railway tracks that blocked water flows might have to be dug into immediate drainage channels, Mr Chalermchai said.
Thongplew Kongjun, director-general of the Royal Irrigation Department, said his department would discuss flood-related situations with other organizations on a weekly basis to prepare best responses to monsoon impacts. (TNA)