The National Disaster Warning Center has launched a program since the beginning of this year to educate people about the warning system and to create a network of help for victims of natural disasters.
The Center, which is a sub division of the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), has been tasked with the responsibility to educate people living in the risk prone areas and government agencies about the characteristics of natural disasters and how the warning system works.
According to ICT Permanent Secretary Chaiyanan Puengkiatpairoj, the program also includes a protocol, which was designed for emergency staff to follow when conducting safety procedures.
People living in 25 communities along the rivers where floods and mudslides often occur will also benefit from the program as they will be more prepared to handle adverse situations. Warning messages will be broadcast via warning towers and other devices located within the proximity of their homes.
Since the beginning of this year, residents of several drought stricken provinces such as Nakhon Ratchasima, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai and Krabi had a chance to share their experiences with The National Disaster Warning Center officials and learn how to cope with the shortage of water from them.
They had been taught to observe the weather. Mr. Chaiyanan said the officials have also surveyed their opinions, which he said, will be used in developing an effective plan for each region in order to lower the impact of natural disasters.
The ICT is also planning to launch the program in 5 provinces namely Uthai Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phrae, Ranong and Prachin Buri before the end of August this year. The program will be introduced to more provinces later on until every part of the country has been covered.
