Pathum Thani speeds up water drainage as high tide period nears

PATHUM THANI, Aug 4 (TNA) – Pathum Thani, adjacent to Bangkok, is prepared for the northern run-off, accelerate water drainage into the Gulf of Thailand, while riverside communities are warned of the overflow during the high tide next week. Deputy provincial governor of Pathum Thani, Nirat Pongsitthavorn was assigned to work with the provincial irrigation office and agencies concerned to speed up draining water through systematical management of sluice gates and water pumps in order to prevent flooding in the province and in the capital, located downstream. Yesterday, it managed to divert a total of 6.11 million cubic metres through canal network into the Gulf of Thailand. Meanwhile, Gen Punlop Fuengfoo, Commander of the Air Defense Artillery Division inspected the water situation at Bang Sai sluice gate in Pathum Thani. He said some spots in the community along the Chao Phraya River in Sam Khok district have been flooded due to more water discharge from the Chao Phraya dam. He warned local residents to be prepared for the affects from the hide tide from Aug 7 to 11. Officials and soldiers are ready to aid people in case of an emergency, he added. (TNA)