Concerns of flooding in Central provinces

BANGKOK, Aug 13 (TNA) -- The farmers in seven Central provinces are asked to move their valuable belongings and domestic animals to higher ground because water might overflow the banks of Chao Phraya River after severe flooding have battered Northern and Northeastern provinces. Apai Suttisunk, director-general of Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives’ Livestock Development Department, expressed his concerns that excessive water from those flooded provinces and possible more rainfall might cause water level of the river to rise further, causing farmers living along the banks to suffer from a flood. Mr Apai said Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya had expressed his anxieties over the possible flooding in seven Central provinces and neighbouring areas in the near future. The seven provinces are Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Ayuthaya and Suphan Buri. Gen Chatchai has ordered related government agencies to stay on alert and prepared to render assistance to farmers and agriculturists, said Mr Apai. Also, the Livestock Development Department has prepared high ground spaces for domestic animals in case they are moved. Farmers and agriculturists are asked to closely monitor the situation from the government and could also ask for assistance from the department. (TNA)