Bangkok: Royal relief packages from His Majesty the King have reached flood victims in the highlands of Phu Kha Subdistrict, Pua District, Nan Province, after heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides, cutting off several roads and affecting at least 11 villages. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is using helicopters to transport aid for the second consecutive day.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, stated that heavy rainfall in Nan Province resulted in flash floods and landslides in Phu Kha Subdistrict, Pua District, particularly in Ban Khun Koon, Ban Pha Wiang, and Ban Nam Khwang, which are located on higher ground. Several roads have been cut off, making them impassable and affecting at least 11 villages.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE) has mobilized personnel and used helicopters to support the rescue mission. Today, they are transporting royal relief packages bestowed by His Majesty the King to be distributed to people in Ban Khun Koon, Ban Pha Wiang, and Ban Nam Khwang to alleviate their suffering in areas where ground routes are still inaccessible.
Mr. Atthapol Charoenchansa, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, represented the royal relief team in distributing royal relief packages to the affected population, along with aid supplies from the Ministry. This aerial delivery of supplies and relief packages continued for the second day.
Mr. Suchart said that His Majesty the King is concerned and compassionate towards his subjects affected by the disaster. Receiving the royal relief packages has brought joy and encouragement to the people. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will expedite the delivery of assistance to as many people as possible, especially in mountainous areas and areas where roads have been cut off, where helicopters can access and transport essential supplies.
The affected areas are located within the national forest reserve and bordering Doi Phu Kha National Park. Over the past 4-5 years, local residents have shifted their land use from corn cultivation to the planting of perennial crops, which helps protect the watershed forest and reduce the long-term risk of soil erosion.
Regarding this incident, Mr. Suchart stated that it was caused by very heavy rainfall in a short period of time, resulting in a large accumulation of water before flash floods and landslides occurred, cutting off several roads. People were unable to leave the area to obtain food and essential supplies, while some areas still lacked electricity.
Mr. Suchart emphasized that the priority now is the lives and well-being of the people. Although vehicles and machinery cannot yet access some areas, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment's helicopters can transport food, relief supplies, and essential items to provide assistance. These missions will continue until the situation improves, and once roads are reopened, support for the recovery efforts will be expedited.