BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is mobilizing aid for vulnerable populations in northern provinces affected by Storm Wipha, using risk maps to direct evacuations.
Minister of Social Development and Human Security Varawut Silpa-archa stated that the ministry’s Disaster Vulnerable Group Management Center is actively assisting those impacted by flooding. The center uses risk maps from the ministry’s electronic family logbook system to identify and locate vulnerable individuals for local authorities to assist and evacuate to temporary shelters.
In Nan province, 120,244 vulnerable people have been affected across seven districts. The affected include 5,863 people in Thung Chang District, 10,158 in Chiang Klang District, and 18,067 in Tha Wang Pha District. Additionally, 22,835 people were impacted in Pua District, 25,234 in Mueang Nan District, 12,597 in Phu Phiang District, and 25,490 in Wiang Sa District.
Local authorities in Nan have evacuated residents to six temporary shelters, housing a combined total of 244 people, including bedridden patients. The ministry’s provincial team has also opened three additional shelters with a capacity for 100 people and has visited evacuees to offer support.
In Chiang Rai province, flooding has impacted approximately 400 households across eight districts, with no reported injuries or deaths. The ministry’s local center has provided data on vulnerable groups to military units for assistance, is participating in daily situation briefings, and has prepared six ministry shelters that can accommodate 210 people.
While Phrae province has not yet experienced disaster conditions, the ministry has proactively shared risk map data with local organizations. It has also prepared two ministry shelters with a capacity for 60 people and a larger provincial shelter, ensuring personnel and vehicles are ready to support evacuations if the situation worsens. (NNT)
