PM orders solutions to Upper South floods

CHIANG MAI, Aug 16 (TNA) - Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has ordered a quick response to flooding in upper South, and plans to assign the Royal Irrigation Department to address the problem of repeated flooding, particularly in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, with long-term solutions.

On the third day of his tour of the North, Mr. Thaksin told reporters in Chiang Mai on Wednesday that the current flooding in the upper southern provinces of Prachuab Khiri Khan, Ranong, and Chumphon would
not cause much trouble to the region.

He said he believed the floodwaters would soon recede and that provincial authorities were well-prepared to deal with the situation.

However, he said, Prachuab Khiri Khan's Bang Saphan district, worst hit by the floods at this time, needs special attention as it has experienced heavy floods over and over again.

"Long-term solutions are needed to address the repeated problems in districts situated in low ground, " Mr. Thaksin said, in assigning the Royal Irrigation Department "to study what can be done, such as
building a reservoir."

Floods triggered by torrential rains hit several areas in Bang Saphan, prompting the evacuation of patients from its district hospital to other hospitals on Tuesday. Some local residents were moved to higher ground.

Deputy Interior Minister Sermsak Pongpanit said the floods in the three provinces have begun to recede, and that traffic has resumed on major roads previously submerged by the floodwaters.

Meanwhile, relief efforts are going on including an evacuation of patients from flooded hospitals to safer places.

Regarding long-term solutions to repeated floods in Bangsaphan district, Mr. Sermsak said a reservoir design has been completed, but is awaiting budget approval for its construction.

TNA