Source

BANGKOK, 22 May 2012 (NNT) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has reported significant progress in the royal rainmaking operation last week, with up to 52 provinces experiencing rainfalls.

Permanent Secretary for Agriculture of Cooperatives Ms. Supatra Thanaseniwat revealed that the Bureau of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation has successfully set up 11 more rainmaking centers across Thailand and 2 additional refill stations in Nakhon Sawan and Sa Kaeo provinces to help farmers cope with the drought crisis.

BANGKOK, 22 May 2012 (NNT) - Public Health Minister Mr. Wittaya Buranasiri has insisted that his ministry is taking actions to contain the number of dengue fever patients, which has been on the rise due to the current weather.

Bangkok, 19 May 2012 (NNT) – The Disease Control Department has cautioned people to protect themselves against dengue fever which is likely to strengthen during the rainy season.

Since the beginning of this year, dengue fever is reported to have killed nine people and sickened 7,000 people. The Disease Control Department said the rainy season which exists between May and June each year is usually a breading period of dengue fever.

UTTARADIT, 16 May 2012 (NNT) – One of the country’s major dams is ready to deal with drought problem and flood crisis, according to officials.

Sirikit Dam director Thanarat Pumimakasikorn said on Tuesday that the dam has been closely monitoring the weather situation since the beginning of the year, with water earlier released to make room for possible rainfall.

However, he assured that the state-appointed sub-committee in charge of water management will be ready to adjust the plan in case that rain becomes scarce.

BANGKOK, 15 May 2012 (NNT) – The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has expressed confidence that the water amounts in major dams nationwide will suffice people’s consumption and farming despite the forecasted drought in June and July.

Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Theera Wongsamut said the water levels at all major dams are currently at 55% of their capacity, which is considered sufficient. He revealed that during the past drought season, farmers were encouraged to use water sparingly and grow crops that are resistant to drought.

BANGKOK, 12 May 2012 (NNT) – The Public Health Ministry is set to rid the country of as many mosquito-breeding grounds as possible before the new school term begins.

Dr. Suwannachai Wattanayingcharoenchai, deputy director-general of the Disease Control Department, said that all provincial health offices have been instructed to work with the local administrative organization offices in destroying larval habitats and to launch a more intensified campaign to kill mosquitoes.

By Orapa Chueyprasit

BANGKOK, 11 May 2012 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Kittiratt Na-Ranong said his ministry is set to propose a disaster-warning alert and coordination system via SMS to the consideration of the flood and water resource management committee and the Ministry Of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Mr Kittiratt said on the sideline of his official visit to Japan from May 9-13 that he was invited to Japan’s Meteorological Agency to be briefed on the country’s disaster management system.

BANGKOK, 10 May 2012 (NNT) - Deputy Governor of Bangkok Malinee Sukavejworakit has expressed confidence that disaster management strategies of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) can be immediately applied when an actual disaster takes place.

BANGKOK, 8 May 2012 (NNT) - Residents in 10 provinces have been urged to brace for flash floods and mudslides today and tomorrow, as the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) is keeping a close eye on the weather condition.