People are warned to closely monitor flood situation

BANGKOK, 14 July 2009 (NNT) – People along the hillside and riverside areas are warned to closely monitor the flood situation, while relevant units are instructed to stand by and offer immediate help in case of disaster.

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Theera Wongsamut, talked about the heavy rains in the southern area, where flooding was reported in three provinces, Phang Nga, Satun, and Trang. There was a flash flood in Takua Pa Municipality covering 60% of the area, while in front of the municipality the water level was 50 centimeters high, and Trang was flooded with water from the Banthat Mountain Range.

He said people should closely monitor the situation, especially those living in the risky areas such as on mountain slopes. Meanwhile people living in the lowland in Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun should also closely monitor the situation.

Mr. Theera said that currently the ministry had set up an assistance plan. Every unit of the ministry was ready to help people in any area. The Irrigation Department was prepared to drain water from the flood area immediately, the Department of Livestock Development had prepared animal food in case of flash flood, while the Department of Agricultural Extension was assigned to survey the damage when the water receded.