Hat yai: The Prime Minister will wade through floodwaters in Hat Yai this afternoon, ordering a survey of flood victims and the establishment of evacuation centers. The Prime Minister announced that he will visit Hat Yai this afternoon to monitor the flooding situation again. He expects that if there is no more rain, the water will recede within 3-4 days. He revealed that he has ordered the governor to survey the number of affected families and set up evacuation centers.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Anutin Charnvirakul, revealed the flooding situation in the South, stating that flooding remains in three southern provinces, with Phatthalung and Songkhla being the most severe. However, the situation may worsen in the three southern border provinces. Hat Yai has been particularly affected this year, with significant water inflows. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and
Cooperatives, Captain Thammanat Prompao, visited the area yesterday, and he personally followed them in the late afternoon to observe the situation. Evacuation centers are being prepared for those affected, but the current water situation is not the same as in the lower North and upper Central regions, where water can become stagnant and have nowhere to go. However, the South at least has water drainage to the sea. If there is no further rainfall or storms for three to four days, a major storm is expected within the next one or two days. Initially, the situation should subside.
He also ordered all provincial governors to conduct a household survey of those affected by the floods to provide immediate assistance. Preparations have already been made, and he knew the flooding would expedite assistance. The government’s response is to pay compensation, which meets all criteria. The 9,000 baht per household will be provided immediately, without waiting for the survey to be completed. The only thing needed today is
food ingredients. As water reached major districts like Hat Yai, power outages have left thousands of people stranded in hotels. Food must be quickly distributed to local residents and tourists.
The Prime Minister stated that he will visit Hat Yai District again this afternoon to monitor the situation and see for himself, so that he can give the right orders and raise awareness. He thanked Mr. Pipat, Captain Thammanat, Mr. Thanakorn Wangboonkhongchana, Minister of Industry, and Ms. Sasithorn Kittithornkul, Deputy Minister of Interior, for being in the area throughout, along with the MPs who diligently assisted.
When asked if the flood prevention infrastructure in the South needed to be adjusted, the Prime Minister stated that the R.1 Canal in the South drains water into the sea, but the high water volume has led to flooding. He added that an efficient drainage method must be found, as the southern sea outlets exist in almost every province. However, Hat Yai District, which is a basin, has been prone to seve
re flooding.
As for the assessment of when the water level will recede, the Prime Minister predicts it will take 3-4 days. Last night, he spoke with the Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department. He predicts the situation will be at its worst. The water is slowly draining away. If no more water is added, management can be carried out.