North stiffens defenses against expected floods

CHIANG MAI: -- Local authorities here said Thursday they are prepared to cope with flash floods from rains expected late this month in the north.

Thada Sukabunaphan, director of the northern Center for Hydrology and Water Management, said the region anticipated monsoon rains and his office has assigned staff to monitor water levels in rivers and dams.

"We are also keeping close contact with the Meteorological Department," he said.

Mr. Thada said officials have released some water from Mae Ngad and Mae Kuang reservoirs in Chiang Mai province to free up half their capacity to receive anticipated rain water.

There is now about 68 million cubic metres of water in Mae Ngad reservoir and 130 million cubic metres stored in the larger Mae Kuang reservoir, Mr. Thada said.

''At present there is no cause of concern," he said. "But we need to pay attention to storms which can cause water levels to rise rapidly.''

Provincial authorities set up a flood monitoring centre at city hall linked to district offices and will keep the public informed through local media and other communication channels.

He said the public also could access up-to-date weather information from a government web site. Billboards warning against flash flood would be erected at Nawarat Bridge.

Local government workers have prepared sandbag barriers reinforced with concrete columns in business districts, while the military plans to deploy up to 2,000 soldiers in case of serious flooding.

--TNA 2006-07-06

This has certainly been one of the wettest seasons I've ever seen here.