CHIANG RAI, Thailand – The Flood, Storm, and Landslide Disaster Relief Operations Center has reported steady progress in restoring flood-affected areas, particularly in Chiang Rai province, where many regions are beginning to return to normal. The center’s spokesperson, Jirayu Huangsap, outlined restoration efforts in several communities of Mae Sai district, with areas such as Hua Fai and Muang Daeng nearing full recovery. The focus remains on accelerating repairs in other parts of the province.
The Royal Irrigation Department is also monitoring potential flood risks, with six dams currently exceeding the Upper Rule Curve, a critical measure for maintaining water levels. These include Sirikit, Ubolratana, Mae Ngat Somboon Chon dams, as well as Mae Mok, Huai Luang, and Naruebodindrachinta reservoirs.
In response to flood damage in industrial areas, the Ministry of Industry has introduced relief measures for affected factories in Chiang Rai. Factories classified under Category 2 and Category 3 are now exempt from paying annual factory fees, with entrepreneurs able to submit claims until the end of October 2024.
Meanwhile, flood relief efforts in Chiang Mai and Lamphun provinces continue as water levels gradually decrease. In Chiang Mai, areas such as Nong Faek in Saraphi district remain submerged due to their low-lying geography, and efforts are underway to pump water out. The Provincial Waterworks Authority has fully restored water supply operations, and water trucks have been deployed to aid residents. Lamphun has also been significantly affected, with stagnant water impacting residents and farmers. Authorities have installed additional water pumps and water-pushing machines to expedite recovery, expecting the situation to normalize within three days.
The Royal Thai Navy has provided assistance in Lamphun, deploying 20 water-pushing boats to drain floodwaters in critical areas, including the bridge between Pa Sang district in Lamphun and Doi Lo district in Chiang Mai. Full drainage of floodwaters is anticipated by October 15.
As floodwaters recede in the north, the southern region faces fresh risks, with the Thai Meteorological Department warning of heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang are among the areas most at risk, with local authorities instructed to prepare for potential emergencies, including the establishment of evacuation centers and safe zones in high-risk areas. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and monitor weather updates closely.
On October 15, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is set to chair a meeting on flood relief progress with the center and its forward command. The meeting will review ongoing efforts to restore flood-affected areas and assist those impacted. While many regions are returning to normal, government officials are continuing to support affected communities, with aid including the distribution of survival kits and educational scholarships in hard-hit areas such as Huai Sai Khao village in Chiang Rai.
In conjunction with these efforts, the Ministry of Interior has outlined compensation criteria for flood victims, including a cleaning compensation of up to 10,000 baht. The assistance is available for households in provinces declared emergency disaster zones, provided necessary documents are submitted to local administrative organizations (LAOs). The compensation is intended to support homeowners in cleaning their properties once flooding has subsided and normal living conditions have been restored.
The Interior Ministry has clarified several aspects of the compensation process, such as eligibility for those whose homes have been partially cleaned or who have already received assistance from local authorities. Households with properties under 100 square meters are eligible for the full amount, and the compensation also covers the cleaning of surrounding areas. (NNT)
