Thai Irrigation Dept urged to brace for Sonca

BANGKOK, July 27 (TNA) – The Thai agriculture minister ordered the Royal Irrigation Department to prepare for more water from tropical storm Sonca, the department chief said. Director-General Sanchai Ketworrachai said Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chatchai Sarikulya has instructed the department to ensure effective water management at all irrigation projects, particularly those situated in risk-prone areas, as the country is bracing for Sonca, the fourth tropical storm in the South China Sea so far this year. Mr Sanchai said officials were deployed to monitor water situation closely while each irrigation project was tasked with controlling water levels in reservoirs to prepare for the massive volume of water following possible heavy downpours. He also urged the officials to keep provincial governors and local agencies posted on the water situation as well as provide them with essential information, including reservoir levels and discharge rates. Mr Sanchai noted that water pumps have been equipped at flood-prone areas, and they are now ready for use. (TNA)