BANGKOK, 6 June 2012 – The Public Health Ministry has instructed all health offices and hospitals in provinces at risk of flash flood to prepare themselves for any undesirable situation.
Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri said on Tuesday that the ministry has instructed all provincial health offices and hospitals in 8 provinces, which are at risk of flash flood, to move all medical supplies and equipment as well as back-up generators to a safe location, in order to allow them to provide uninterrupted treatment to patients in need.
All 8 provinces likely to be affected by flash flood and mudslide include Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phetchabun, Chanthaburi, Trat, Chumporn, Ranong and Phang Nga, according to the warning from the Meteorological Department.
The Health Minister also urged all to closely monitor weather updates around the clock and to prepare contingent evacuation plans, if needed.
Moreover, Mr. Witthaya said that health volunteers in all risk areas have been asked, as part of a preparation for the evacuation plan, to join health officials in identifying the locations of those who are considered major at-risk groups, which include pregnant women, the elderly, the physically-challenged, small children and those at home with chronic illnesses.
He also asked residents in all 8 provinces to prepare for any case of emergency and to constantly get weather reports from the Meteorological Department. In case that urgent assistance is required, the Health Minister suggested those in need to call the emergency rescue hotline number 1669, which is available 24 hours a day.
