Downstream residents warned of flood danger
PEOPLE LIVING downstream from the Chao Phraya River dam in Chainat were warned yesterday of possible flooding as more water had to be released from the dam following heavy downpours upstream.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government had instructed the governors of Chainat, Uthai Thani, Singburi, Angthong, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya to warn their people to be on alert as the Chao Phraya could burst its banks.
Companies, shops, floating restaurants and households along the river should move their valuables upstairs, he said.
The governors were also told to speed up the building of flood embankments in their provinces.
Help for victims ordered
Torrential rains would cause water to flow into the dam’s reservoir at the rate of 2,800 cubic metres per second today, the spokesman said.
The faster inflow would prompt the authorities to release water from the dam at the rate of 2,300cmps, up from the current 2,000cmps. That would raise the river downstream from the dam by 25 centimetres to 75cm.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has been monitoring the flood situation with concern and has ordered government agencies to help the flood victims. Prayut has expressed appreciation to farmers who allowed their paddy fields to be used for water retention to avert disaster in commercial areas.
The PM promised to compensate them for the loss of crops in line with the government’s regulations, the spokesman added.
