Bangkok: The Department of Livestock Development is mobilizing efforts to support livestock farmers impacted by severe flooding in the southern regions. The department has initiated the evacuation of animals, distribution of essential grass and feed, and consistent health monitoring to ensure the well-being of affected livestock. Plans are in place to survey the damage and provide compensation as per government guidelines once the floodwaters subside. Additionally, a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate and sustain farmers' livelihoods is being prepared.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Somchuan Rattanamangklanon, Director-General of the Department of Livestock Development, emphasized the urgency with which the department is responding to the crisis affecting farmers in nine southern provinces: Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Satun, Pattani, Songkhla, Trang, and Narathiwat. The flooding has impacted 72 districts, 388 subdistricts, 2,305 villages, and 106,280 farmers. In the affected regions, there are 6,525,056 animals, including 193,652 cattle, 2,909 buffalo, 236,315 pigs, 55,636 goats/sheep, and 6,036,544 poultry, all farmed on approximately 7,213.40 rai of pasture land.
During this emergency, the Department of Livestock Development has expedited the delivery of 156,740 kilograms of royal animal feed and evacuated 27,512 animals. They have also provided 459 animal health promotion kits containing minerals, antibiotics, and vitamins, alongside survival kits for animals. Mobile veterinary units have been deployed to continuously care for animals in at-risk areas. Tragically, 583 animals have been reported killed or missing across five provinces: Phatthalung, Trang, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Pattani, and Satun, including 23 cattle, 3 goats, 1 sheep, and 556 native chickens.
The Director-General further stated that this mission aligns with directives from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Colonel Thammanat Prompao, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to address natural disasters through prevention, mitigation, and recovery strategies.
Farmers impacted by the floods can seek assistance from various local offices, including the Provincial Livestock Office, District Livestock Office, and local Animal Feed Research and Development Centers. Additionally, they can reach out to the Livestock Special Projects and Disaster Prevention Group, Livestock Promotion and Development Division, at 0 2653 4444 ext. 3315, or request support through the DLD 4.0 application, available around the clock.