DDPM poised for flood emergencies

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Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, Kobchai Bun-orana.
Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, Kobchai Bun-orana.

Bangkok – The Ministry of the Interior has instructed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to ready its disaster response plan in the face of the approaching rainy season.

Deputy Director-General of the DDPM, Kobchai Bun-orana disclosed Friday the DDPM’s preparedness measures were divided into two parts, focusing on flood prevention and response.

Relevant agencies in all provinces have been told to clean up canals and waterways and expand water retention areas to smooth the way for improved drainage and increase water supplies for agriculture.

Disaster prevention and mitigation centers in 18 regions have been instructed to prepare flood relief and water rescue equipment in the event of flooding. All provinces can set up flood command centers to carry out disaster management operations.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that the rainy season will start in the third week of May. The public is advised to follow weather reports and strictly act on safety and risk prevention advice from relevant agencies.