Hat yai: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao, has urgently convened a meeting with various units to address the obstruction of vehicles on the U-Tapao route. This initiative is part of an effort to expedite the delivery of 20,000 food boxes daily to assist disaster victims in District 8 and advance the Hat Yai recovery plan.

According to Thai News Agency, Lt. Col. Thammanat, acting as Director of the Center for Water Management in Natural Disasters, coordinated with agencies such as the Royal Irrigation Department, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Songkhla Provincial Police, military units, and the Provincial Electricity Authority. The meeting focused on flood management in Hat Yai District, Songkhla Province, where water levels have been decreasing.

Captain Thammanat emphasized that despite the receding water levels, military equipment remains on standby, and efforts to drain flooded areas continue. The Royal Irrigation Department is tasked with planning operations, while the army manages evacuation centers. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, police, private sector, and volunteers are assisting in relocation and relief efforts. Rainfall is expected to decrease significantly from November 28th, allowing for ongoing water drainage.

Lt. Col. Thammanat has instructed the urgent clearing of the U-Tapao Canal bridge, currently obstructed by vehicles, to facilitate the transportation of food and water to affected communities. He urged the public to understand this action as necessary for providing relief to those in need, not as destruction of property.

Food distribution efforts are underway, with 18,000-20,000 food boxes being prepared daily for residents in District 8. Coordination with the NBTC Secretary-General, Provincial Electricity Authority, and mobile phone networks has restored power and phone service from Lotus Hat Yai Nai to the Sanambin intersection, despite the ongoing flood situation requiring safety assessments.

Additionally, Lt. Col. Thammanat has directed Provincial Police Region 9 to maintain security at evacuation centers, including Hat Yai Rat Prachasan School and Yarot School, housing 7,000 people. Plans for Songkhla City’s rehabilitation are being prepared, awaiting further directives from the Prime Minister.