Mother still waiting in flood-ravaged home for mayor’s promised relief

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A week after Pattaya Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome promised quick flood relief for residents in the Thamsamakkee Temple area, Pa Thongmuan is still waiting for help.

Despite the mayor’s personal assurances during a visit to the water-logged neighborhood Sept. 27, nothing has been done to remove standing water and an Oct. 4 downpour has only made matters worse, Pa said.

The mother of a young child, Pa said she had to flee her home with her daughter on her shoulders after her Soi Daraphan 2 house flooded again Oct. 4. Water from blocked drains poured into her home, shorting out appliances and leaving her in near financial ruin.

Pa Thongmuan points out how high she said the flood waters reached inside her home. Pa Thongmuan points out how high she said the flood waters reached inside her home.

She said she’s lived in the house for a decade, but flooding had never been an issue until this year. The Sept. 11 monsoon badly flooded the entire neighborhood and blocked drains impeded water from draining in the low-lying area.

Itthiphol and city council members who handed out relief supplies in the area Sept. 27 promised to quickly send pumps to remove water and workers to clear drains. None of that has happened, she said.

Pa said she’s scared to continue living in her home, which is now barricaded with sandbags. Most of her belongings have been removed until either the city follows through on its promises or rainy season ends.