Bangkok: The government has instructed the governors of 14 southern provinces to brace for potential flooding, emphasizing the need for integrated cooperation across various dimensions to effectively manage the situation. According to Thai News Agency, the directive comes as some areas are already experiencing flooding due to current rainfall, while others remain under observation for potential water shortages. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who also serves as the Minister of Interior, is prioritizing the prevention and mitigation of both floods and droughts, along with strategic water management.
Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, disclosed that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, has been appointed as the chairman of a committee tasked with overseeing flood and drought prevention in the southern region. This committee is expected to devise both short-term and long-term solutions to address these challenges effectively. The region is poised to face two rainy seasons: the first one on the Andaman coast starting in May and the second on the Gulf of Thailand coast, anticipated from October to January of the following year.
Ms. Ploytalay emphasized the significance of preparedness in managing the situation efficiently. Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has instructed the governors of the 14 southern provinces to undertake disaster preparedness drills and collaborate with local administrative bodies. This includes surveying areas to prepare essential information, such as the location of temporary shelters and vehicle parking zones in the event of severe flooding, and disseminating this information to the public in affected areas. The goal is to minimize potential damage. Additionally, agencies like the National Water Resources Office and the Royal Irrigation Department have been tasked with using technology to analyze data for precise water management, including the strategic release of water from reservoirs to mitigate the impact of potential disasters.
The government underscores the necessity for strict adherence to directives concerning flood and drought prevention and mitigation by provinces, central government agencies, and local administrative organizations. The Royal Irrigation Department is responsible for managing water release based on the specific water situation in each area. Provincial governors are expected to collaborate with local agencies, both governmental and private, as well as volunteers, to ensure comprehensive flood and drought mitigation efforts. This includes providing adequate temporary shelters, coordinating with military, police, and administrative units for security, and establishing backup communication systems. Provincial public health offices and community health centers must also ensure readiness to handle emergency medical situations, with a focus on assisting vulnerable groups. Post-disaster, there will be efforts to survey and restore homes and other areas swiftly, allowing residents to resume normalcy as soon as possible.