BANGKOK, 4 September 2014 – Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has stressed to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) the urgency of tackling flood problems in the country while calling for aid for flood-hit people in Sukhothai province.
With grave concerns over the current flood situation, Gen Prayuth assigned the DDPM to integrate efforts with other related agencies in the management and prevention of floods. At the moment, he said priority should be given to areas susceptible to chronic inundation, suggesting that drainage capacity be maximized.
The premier noted that any excess water should be diverted to retention spaces or drained into natural waterways to protect local communities from being impacted. The DDPM was also told to commit to providing all-around assistance to victims of flood disasters and to promptly repair utility systems in affected areas should they be damaged by floodwater.
As for the severe flooding in Sukhothai, Gen Prayuth tasked DDPM staff with coordinating with officials at the Third Army Region’s Naresuan Camp and other related units to distribute aid to the locals. Water pumping trucks and equipment are to be deployed in hopes of restoring normalcy in the area at the soonest possible time.
