BANGKOK, Sept 22 (Bernama) -- Thailand has stepped up preparedness and round-the-clock monitoring of the water levels in the Chao Phraya River as increased water flow is forecast from Sept 29.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Director-General Theeraphat Kachamat said 10 central provinces and Bangkok had been ordered to closely monitor the situation following a forecast by the Royal Irrigation Department that water flow at Station C.2 in Muang district, Nakhon Sawan, is expected to reach 1,400 to 1,450 cubic metres per second on Sept 29.
According to DDPM, the provinces are Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakan.
However, Theeraphat said the forecast water levels were not expected to affect communities located within the designated flood embankment lines.
The DDPM also urged urgent dissemination of warnings to residents living along both banks of the Chao Phraya and Noi rivers, as well as private-sector operators conducting activities along the waterways.
"These include operators involved in flood-protection embankment construction and floating restaurants, who have been advised to closely monitor developments and prepare to move belongings and equipment to higher ground for safety,” he said.
Local authorities and relevant agencies have also been instructed to inspect the stability of flood embankments, prepare disaster-response machinery and ensure personnel are on standby. -- BERNAMA
