Bt261m allocated to ease flooding in North

The Cabinet has earmarked Bt261 million for easing floods in 12 provinces in the North and is urging government agencies to provide support to the Northeast provinces of Yasothon and Ubon Ratchathani.
Somkiat Pruengwong, secretary-general for the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), confirmed on Tuesday (September 10) that the funds had been allocated to help the provinces of Kampheng Phet, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Sawan, Phayao, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Phrae, Phichit, Lampang, Sukhothai and Uttaradit.
The project will also boost the storage capacity of 78 reservoirs to 2.8 million cubic metres.
After visiting flood victims and monitoring the situation in Yasothon and Ubon Ratchathani on Monday (September 9), Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said he was concerned about the situation and has told ONWR to coordinate with local agencies and accelerate the water-management process, including the draining of flooded areas.
The PM has also tasked ONWR to find out how the floodwaters can be channelled to nearby reservoirs for future use once the rain in the upper North and upper Northeast begins easing.