NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 29 September 2013 – The flooding in the lower Northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima has gotten worse. Twenty districts in the province have so far been declared flood-disaster zones.
Out of the 32 districts in Nakhon Ratchasima, 20 have been declared flood-disaster zones; including Muang, Dam Khun Tod, Non Thai, Phi Mai, Keng Sanam Nang, Pak Chong, Bua Yai, Kong, among others.
According to reports, water from Khao Yai has damaged a bridge in Pak Chong District. People could not commute.
After three days of continuous downpours in Nakhon Ratchasima, water in the Moon River has risen significantly, especially in the area above Phimai Dam, where the level of water rose around 10 centimeters per day from Friday to Sunday.
Weeds and hyacinths at the mouth of the dam were obstructing the release of water from the dam, lowering its normal water release capacity of 19 million cubic meters per day down to just 15 million. On Sunday morning, officials at the dam and local officials helped push away the weeds for better water flow. Four large water propelling machines have been installed around the gate to push more water out.
Authorities have been providing assistance to flood victims. The province has received an emergency funds of 20 million baht, but officials said the amount is not enough to help all the 20 flood-prone districts; therefore, the funds has to be allocated to areas that need urgent help first.
