Preparations for new flooding in South

BANGKOK, Jan 14 (TNA) -- Concerned government agencies are making preparations for new wave of flooding expected to hit southern provinces next week, said Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Gen Chatchai Sarikulya on Saturday. The Meteorological Department has forecast that heavy rain is expected to hit the South between January 16 – 18. Currently, heavy flooding is still seen in three southern provinces including Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung and Songkhla, according to the Royal Irrigation Department. Gen Chatchai said the government is constantly monitoring the flooding situation in the South and related government agencies are alert on making necessary preparations for water pumps and personnel to assist flood victims. Heavy floods have devastated the South since last December 1 up till now and 12 provinces have been affected. About 1.06 million rai of farmland is under floodwater while 24,361 fishing operators and 190,149 poultry raisers are affected. (TNA)