Bangkok: The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Pua District, Nan Province on August 23rd to oversee the ongoing post-flood recovery efforts. The visit aims to assess the flood damage and provide support to affected residents. Prime Minister Yotsanan has directed the governors of 17 northern provinces to implement six critical measures to tackle the flooding issues that have plagued the region.
According to Thai News Agency, the implementation of these measures is guided by Mr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation. In his role as Chairman of the Committee on Flood and Drought Prevention and Mitigation in the Northern Region, he issued an urgent directive to establish a cohesive framework for flood prevention and mitigation across the affected provinces. The six measures include a single command management system, preparedness of personnel and equipment, prioritization of safety and evacuation for vulnerable groups, monitoring of misinformation, and direct reporting of emergencies to the relevant authorities.
During a recent visit to Ban Siladaeng, Tambon Silalaeng, Pua District, Mr. Yotsanan evaluated the damage caused by the floods. The community suffered significant damage, with homes inundated by mud and silt. He visited the home of a local teacher, Paveena Karnsri, which was severely impacted by the floods. Mr. Yotsanan ordered the deployment of heavy machinery to aid in clearing the debris and has requested an increase in the emergency relief fund to expedite compensation to affected households.
Efforts to clean up and recover from the floods are underway in Nan Province, led by the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The cleanup operations are targeting roads and homes across several districts, with the floodwaters currently reaching Wiang Sa District. It is anticipated that water levels may enter the Sirikit Dam soon, which is currently at 65% capacity.
To address potential rainfall on August 23rd, authorities have put plans in place to issue warnings and monitor conditions in collaboration with the Royal Irrigation Department and the National Water Resources Office. Cell broadcasts are being used to alert residents about heavy rainfall and rising water levels, urging them to move belongings to higher ground and evacuate vulnerable groups to shelters.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) is actively monitoring the flood situation using satellite data. Recent assessments indicate that over 17,458 rai of land is flooded, with significant inundation in Wiang Sa District. The collected data is being utilized to assist affected populations and facilitate rapid flood management and drainage.
On August 23rd, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, alongside relevant agencies, will visit Pua District to review recovery efforts and deliver aid to flood-affected communities.