BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered relevant agencies to step up efforts to tackle flooding in Bangkok, surrounding areas and central provinces, with public safety as the top priority. After returning to Thailand, Anutin briefed the media on the flood situation at Don Mueang Airport, saying heavy rainfall over the past two days had overwhelmed drainage systems in several areas. The government has deployed pumps, machinery, trucks and boats, while providing shelters and evacuating vulnerable people.
Provincial governors in affected areas have been given greater authority and emergency funds to respond quickly. The government will also accelerate compensation, damage assessments and recovery efforts, while coordinating with insurers to speed up claims for damaged property. He said the Cabinet is expected to consider a proposed water-management project on September 29 to improve drainage from the upper country and reduce flood risks in the central region and Bangkok.
The Prime Minister also ordered affected provinces to submit daily reports on the situation, relief operations and any additional support required from the government. He will visit flood-affected areas, including Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani, to assess the situation and oversee relief operations. (NNT)
