Flood-Prone Areas in Southern Thailand Urged to Brace for Heavy Rainfall

BANGKOK: The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has instructed public health departments and other relevant agencies in flood-prone southern provinces of Thailand to prepare for potential evacuations and emergency management as heavy rainfall and flash floods loom over the region. Provinces such as Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat are particularly at risk, with expectations of significant rainfall accumulation over the coming days. According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Mr. Phumtham Wechayachai, who heads the Operation Center for Flood, Storm, and Landslide Relief Operations (OCR), has ordered local service units to assess and relocate vulnerable populations to safer areas. This directive follows reports from the Ministry of Public Health highlighting the need to mitigate risks associated with the impending weather conditions. The regions of Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Song khla, Phatthalung, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat are under close watch for potential flash floods and landslides. The management of water levels in Bang Lang Dam in Yala Province is a focal point of these preparations. Current water levels stand at 1,213 million cubic meters, with the dam accommodating an additional 262.64 million cubic meters. Authorities are prepared to open the Spillway if necessary, with advance public notification planned to minimize downstream impacts. Ms. Sasikarn also emphasized the importance of accurate data collection and verification by relevant agencies for the timely distribution of 9,000-baht compensation to flood victims. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is tasked with ensuring data precision before disbursement by the Government Savings Bank. Flood victims can submit petitions for assistance through local administrative bodies or online, with a reminder to register for PromptPay for efficient fund transfer.