Water releases from Chao Phraya Dam lowered

BANGKOK, Oct. 2 (TNA) -- In an attempt to cushion hardship of people living along the Chao Phraya River, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya has ordered the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) to release less water from the Chao Phraya Dam. The water flow in the Chao Phraya River in Ayutthaya is about 1,600 cubic metres per second. Bangkok would become flooded if the water inflow is more than 3,800 cubic metres per second. Gen. Chatchai has told officials of the RID to maintain water inflow at 2,000 cubic metres per second. More than 42,000 households plus about 48,000 acres of farmland in 13 provinces have been affected by floods. The government will give financial assistance to flood victims. (TNA)