BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Interior is coordinating flood and drought preparedness across Chai Nat, Lop Buri, Sing Buri, and Uthai Thani provinces, with authorities instructed to keep personnel, machinery, and emergency equipment ready for deployment across provincial boundaries. Agencies are also monitoring weather and water conditions to prepare for changing conditions and possible emergencies. Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth recently reviewed preparations at Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Center 16 in Chai Nat, where he chaired a meeting covering the four provinces. Although Chai Nat was not experiencing flooding at the time, he instructed agencies to plan ahead and carefully manage raw water supplies to address both flood risks and possible shortages.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is monitoring weather conditions with the Thai Meteorological Department, including the possibility of heavy rainfall in some areas. Authorities have also been instructed to provide timely updates on weather, water levels, and areas at risk so that residents and travelers can adjust their plans as needed. Jeseth later inspected disaster-response machinery and the Disaster Emergency Logistics System for the ASEAN relief stockpile in Chai Nat. Regional disaster centers are expected to assist areas beyond their normal jurisdictions by deploying personnel, equipment, and relief supplies when requested, allowing resources to be directed quickly to communities in need. (NNT)
