Forward-Thinking Urgently Needed For Flood Relief In Thailand

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Forward-thinking urgently needed for flood relief

By The Nation

'Red tape' hampering rescue efforts must be cut through; hospitals should prepare for waterborne disease crisis

The public and private sectors need to unite in their efforts to help those affected by the huge floods that have swept through the country. Agencies directly involved with alleviating people's suffering have the duty not only to respond quickly and efficiently, but to be prepared to deal with the long-term consequences of the floods.

The floodwaters have already claimed casualties, and the death toll will increase if the country fails to put in place proper plans for speedy rescue efforts. Many in the provinces are suffering as rising water levels have blocked routes for aid convoys. Relief agencies must find ways to reach out to the affected areas and extend the immediate assistance that is so desperately needed.

Being a country with a large agricultural sector, Thailand has often faced issues regarding water, whether they be droughts or floods. Mother Nature is unpredictable. Therefore, the country must be prepared to deal with extreme weather and its consequences, which can be deadly as has been proven this time. Plans for both the short term and long term must be carved out, as extreme weather patterns are likely to be exacerbated in the coming decades by global warming.

The current floods are a test of the leadership of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva and his ability to muster and coordinate the efforts of various parties to assist the victims. So far, however, those affected have said the rescue efforts and aid have been too slow in arriving.

In such an emergency situation, Abhisit must cut through the "red tape" to ensure that the victims have access to the basic necessities of life.

The need for efficient water-drainage operations could not be more urgent, while rescue efforts for stranded flood victims in the worst-hit provinces must be fast and effective. Victims are also facing the issue of poor sanitation and the threat of outbreaks of disease on an epidemic level once the waters recede. As such, hospitals in affected areas should be on standby around the clock to deal with any emerging health crisis.

In the medium term, financial assistance for those affected by the floods must be in place. Farmers have been left to watch helplessly as their crops are destroyed by the massive influx of water, and the financial cost of the flooding will be high. Agricultural production is likely to be badly hit. The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce has said the cost of the damage nationwide could reach Bt10 billion. Financial institutions and industries can help alleviate the suffering of those affected and get businesses back on their feet by providing financial or welfare assistance during this time of difficulty.

Now that the waters are rising in Bangkok, the public and agencies involved should be prepared to deal with flooding and its consequences, especially for those residents most at risk. If the crisis in the capital grows in severity, we could be faced with the evacuation of residents living along the banks of the Chao Phya River and areas beyond the protection of flood-prevention embankments.

Bangkok can also be a more dangerous place for other reasons during flooding. For instance, floodwater can be a danger to human life if it comes into contact with electric cables. These need to be properly stored and secured.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority should also make sure that holes in the road or pavement made during construction work are capped to prevent accidents. Measures and procedures for everyday safety on streets and in homes should be tightened and monitored closely.

Members of the public can do their bit by making sure that their waste and trash bins are secured so as to prevent garbage adding to the flood pollution.

-- The Nation 2010-10-26

[pmgthailand]

Forward thinking - in Thailand - Is this possible?

[Thailand]

Forward thinking - in Thailand - Is this possible?

Top of the oxymoron list.

[JusMe]

Wasn't this same editorial published at least ten years ago? At least the same thoughts were there. Thai? Forethought?

[OzMick]

It is the same everywhere. As soon as there is a problem, the crows start calling "Faaark, why wasn't this taken care of years ago? Faaark, its all the govt.'s fault! Faaark, we'll spend a fortune to be better prepared next time!"

A month after its over, try to take up a collection for flood mitigation (there is no such thing as flood prevention) and you'd be lucky to get enough to buy a couple of shovels.

[dcutman]

Forward thinking - in Thailand - Is this possible?

There is a better chance for snow in BKK than any sort of foward looking.