Nan: Yotchanan made an urgent change of mission, flying directly from Surat Thani to Nan to assist in flood relief efforts in Pua District after receiving direct instructions from the Prime Minister in Australia.
According to Thai News Agency, following the urgent directive from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during his mission in Canberra, Australia, to expedite assistance to flood victims in Nan Province, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, Professor Dr. Yoschanan Wongsawat, abruptly altered his assigned duties. As the supervisor of the northern region and chairman of the committee on flood and drought prevention and mitigation, he responded promptly to the disaster declaration in Nan Province.
After fulfilling his responsibilities at the PSU Academic Fair and Research Exhibition in Surat Thani Province, Professor Dr. Yoschanan is scheduled to depart from Surat Thani International Airport at 1:30 PM, with an expected arrival in Nan Province by 3:00 PM. He will then proceed to Pua District to closely monitor the situation and implement assistance measures in line with the Prime Minister's policy.
The situation in Pua District remains challenging due to heavy rainfall and flash floods that have inundated homes and severed several transportation routes. Residents, especially vulnerable groups, are being urgently evacuated to safe shelters. Initial coordination with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) in Nan Province focused on rescue operations and public welfare, with specific instructions given to the Nan Provincial Office of Social Development and Human Security to aid vulnerable groups.
The Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department coordinated efforts by issuing instructions for the installation of one 24-inch water pump in Mueang Nan District and eleven 8-inch water pumps in Wiang Sa District. Additionally, seven pieces of machinery, including backhoe excavators and dump trucks, were deployed to remove obstructions in waterways and at bridge abutments. Close monitoring and preventative measures are being conducted in collaboration with the Provincial Governor, DDPM, and local authorities.