Flooding persists in only 5 Thai provinces as situation improves

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Flooding persists in only 5 provinces as situation improves

 

 

BANGKOK, 30 January 2017 (NNT) – Floods in the southern region has receded with several areas in 5 provinces still inundated, while the Prime Minister calls for damage assessment followed by immediate rehabilitation, says government spokesman. 

Government Spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd revealed the flooding situation in the southern region has improved with seven provinces, namely Ranong, Krabi, Trang, Chumphon, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Yala, and Narathiwat. Officials are currently carrying out restoration works, and nine districts in five provinces. Including the accelerated efforts of drainage and water reservation to be used during the dry season. 

“During 28 January - 3 February, the Meteorological Department forecasts the southern region will see less precipitation with no heavy rains, which will be the right timing for districts still inundated in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, Songkhla, Phattalung, and Pattani, to expedite drainage operations in order for rehabilitation works to commence,” says the spokesman. 

He added that Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha had urged the Command Center for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to work with provinces and proceed with damage assessment, rehabilitation and assistance in terms of labour, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and industry, such as providing legal and tax benefits, and make sure that basic infrastructure and facilities such as roads, electricity, plumbing, schools, and hospitals are maintained in good condition. 

“The Prime Minister has asked the general public to be confident that they are not left abandoned by the government, as officials from all agencies are working at their utmost effort since day one of the disaster. The government will allocate government owned and donated resources to help affected people.” 

Initial surveys show 11,555 houses damaged by the disaster, 284 houses have been destroyed entirely, while 11,271 have been partially damaged. 

Damaged houses will receive compensation at a range of 33,000-250,000 baht, while the military and vocational students will help with the repairs. Affected farmers will receive an initial compensation at a rate of 3,000 baht per household, along with other approved measures to restore livelihoods back to normal.

 

-- nnt 2017-01-30