Measures prepared to prevent new floods in Thailand

BANGKOK, October 10 (TNA) - The Ministry of Interior has prepared measures to prevent new inundations in all Thai areas, especially those in the central region. Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda told journalists on Tuesday that his ministry has assessed the situation in flood-prone areas in advance and prepared measures to prevent new inundations, including warning systems for people in the areas. General Anupong noted that the prepared warning systems include road and traffic signs, public announcements for people in the areas at risk to move their belongings to high grounds as a precaution and temporary dykes erected to protect ancient sites and important places. The interior minister said there are now only about five flood-prone provinces that need to be on alert, especially those in the central region. According to the minister, two large dams have been prepared to store rain and water inflows from upstream areas, including the Bhumibol and the Pasak Jolasid Dams. The minister revealed that more water will be released from the two dams and some others as of next week, from 2,000 cubic meters per second to 2,200-2,600 cubic meters per second, to prepare them for catering more water inflows, which may cause temporary flooding in some low lying areas. (TNA)