The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has reassured the public that while heavy flooding is expected in Thailand this year, it will not reach the severity of the 2011 disaster. ONWR Secretary-General Surasri Kittimonthon explained that only two storms are projected to impact the country, primarily affecting the North and Northeast in September or October, compared to the five storms that hit in 2011, leading to widespread destruction.
In 2011, Thailand experienced an unusually early and prolonged rainy season, resulting in 24% more rainfall than normal. This year, however, rainfall levels remain 4% below average, with current data suggesting that the situation is less severe than in 2011. The ongoing transition from El Niño to La Niña, along with monsoon influences, has caused significant rainfall and flooding in some areas, but ONWR’s assessments indicate that the situation remains under control.
To address the damages and hardships caused by the floods, the government has allocated several billion baht in relief funds. The distribution of these funds will be based on an assessment of the impact on affected populations. In response to concerns about delayed warnings and internet signal issues in flooded areas, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society are taking steps to improve communication, including deploying mobile signal booster vehicles to affected regions.
The government continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to use the central emergency fund to provide additional assistance as needed. (NNT)
