NAKHON SI THAMMARAT, Jan 5 – Flooding in Nakhon Si Thammarat has eased, and the municipality has set Saturday as a big cleaning day.
Chaowat Senpong, mayor of Nakhon Si Thammarat municipality, assessed losses at about Bt100 million, with two communities having been badly damaged. The situation returned to normal in other areas, but some floodwaters remain in four districts.
The provincial irrigation office is using 19 pumps to drain water today. If there is no more rain, all floodwaters will be gone within two days.
Mr Chaowat said the municipality will discuss with the province and the irrigation department to seek a budget of two billion baht from the government to implement long-term flood prevention plans.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa said before leaving for Laos on Thursday that Army Chief Prayuth Chan-ocha ordered the fourth Army Region’s relief centres to access all flooded areas and repair roads and bridges. Backup personnel and heavy machines are being prepared.
Navy chief Admiral Surasak Runroengrom said special units have been assigned for relief operations in Narathiwat and Pattani.
Two ships, HTMS Chakri Naruebet and HTMS Surin are ready to sail if they receive orders from the government or the defence minister.
The navy’s relief centres are working to help local residents and tourists stranded on islands as requested. The navy has closely monitored the situation, Adm Surasak said, and it is unlikely to be as severe as last year.
