Bangkok: The Thai army is reinforcing its efforts to aid flood-affected areas in Songkhla, following a disaster level escalation to level 4. Lt. Gen. Wanchana Sawatdee, spokesman for the Flood Emergency Operations Center (FOC), announced the deployment of personnel, medical teams, and equipment to support relief missions, including dispatching supplies to the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters as part of the initiative to assist impacted residents in Songkhla Province.
According to Thai News Agency, preparations include consumer goods, flat-bottomed boats, jet skis, medical equipment, and drones, along with personnel such as medical rescue units and military personnel. These resources and teams will be transported to the area aboard a C-130 aircraft. The Forward Emergency Response Center will oversee operations, focusing on critical areas within Songkhla, especially Hat Yai District where water levels are rising. A dedicated District Battalion will manage surrounding districts, while within Hat Yai, five shelter centers will be established, divided into four care and assistance zones, each with its own management unit.
The plan involves managing human resources by relocating individuals to safe locations, though some may choose to remain due to concerns about their property. Their whereabouts will be monitored, and food will be delivered to them. The management of supplies and the distribution of consumer goods, including donated items, are crucial. Donation centers have been set up in Bangkok and other provinces. The challenging task of water management is underway, as further rain and rising sea levels are anticipated. The government is considering how to rapidly reduce water levels and manage the flow to the bay estuary with prepared water pumps.
Information management is also a key aspect, involving communication with the media and processing assistance requests through various channels, such as the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the Government Information Center for the Public. AI technology is being used to filter these requests and prioritize them based on urgency.
In the southern region, Wing 56 operates as the Forward Operations Command Center, led by the Commander-in-Chief, who has full authority to coordinate and integrate operations effectively. The Commander-in-Chief reports directly to the Prime Minister, enabling swift resolution of any incidents.