Flooding Situation Relieves In Bangkok's Outskirts

BANGKOK, November 24 (TNA) - The Royal Irrigation Department of Thailand reported Thursday that the flooding situation in both the western and eastern sides of the Chao Phraya River in Greater Bangkok has been improving more than expected, with even better updates expected early next month. The department's Director-General Chalit Damrongsak insisted that flood drainage has been obviously progressing in both the western and eastern sides of the Chao Phraya River under his department's jurisdiction, especially in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani Provinces, as well as the Thonburi part of the capital, as blockages of run-offs from upstream areas have effectively reduced water levels of the Tha Chin River and facilitated sluice gate operations and the pumping of floodwater out of the areas. Chalit acknowledged that drainage in Greater Bangkok's western side will gain more momentum next month when his department will be working with local administrators and people to speed up drying out flooded communities. The Royal Irrigation Department chief, meanwhile, expressed his concerns over fresh flooding in the Thai South, saying that he has ordered the relocation of water pumps and relevant equipment from the flood-receding central region to the South; while several business firms, including PTT Public Company Limited (PTT) and its subsidiaries and affiliates, have, on the other hand, supported post-flood rehabilitation in many provinces, including Ang Thong, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan and Ayutthaya. (TNA)