Interior Minister allays flooding concerns

BANGKOK, July 31 (TNA) -- Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda allays flooding concerns in downstream areas while ordering subordinates to relieve floods in provinces as soon as possible. Gen Anupong said that flooding in Sukhothai province was already under control thanks to water management by the Royal Irrigation Department and the repair of local flood walls. In Sakon Nakhon province, officials were trying to accelerate flood drainage into the Mekong River and consequently flood levels were subsiding in Nong Han lake and the provincial seat. Officials expected to reopen Sakon Nakhon airport on Aug 1. Regarding assistance for flood victims, Gen Anupong said organizations including foundations were doing their best in the assistance and rehabilitation programs would follow including those for people whose farmland and residences were damaged. The interior minister also said that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha was much concerned about the conditions of flood victims but he decided not to pay visits; otherwise, he would increase the burdens of officials working in flooded areas. The government planned flood relief measures well and the prime minister would like officials to smoothly implement them, Gen Anupong said. “People should not panic but must prepare themselves, especially those living in downstream areas that will accept floodwater. The government keeps issuing warnings to people,” Gen Anupong said. (TNA)