Police dispatch drinking water, dried food to help flood victims

BANGKOK, Aug 16 (TNA) -- The Bangkok-based Royal Thai Police on Saturday released more than 10 trucks carrying drinking water and dried foodstuffs to assist flood victims in six northern and northeastern provinces as the water level in the Mekong River starts receding in some areas.

The material aid for the six provinces, including the northernmost province of Chiang Rai -- which hold a by-election Sunday, came after an order by Interior and Deputy Prime Minister Pol. Gen. Kowit Wattana togovernors of flood-hit provinces to offer care to victims.

Gen. Kowit also said his ministry would also distribute rice seedlings toaffected farmers and distribute cash to help flood victims.

Flood victims in two districts of Chiang Rai also on Saturday received2,000 sets of relief aid from His Majesty the King.

In Nong Khai province bordering Laos, the water level in the Mekong River receded slightly, while municipaiity workers started pumping outfloodwater which is nearly one metre high in some areas.

Border police traveled in flat-bottomed boats gave help to fish farmers in Nong Khai's Tha Bo district. More than 200 fish ponds in the district hadalready been damaged.

More than 200,000 rai of farmland in Nakhon Phanom is still inundated,causing hardship to nearly 30,000 village houses.

Villagers had to place sandbags to prevent floodwater flowing down fromNong Khai from reaching the province.

Although the water level in the Mekong River remained steady in Mukdahanprovince, two of its districts were still under severe flood.