A resident carries food supplies through flood waters in Takbai district in Thailand's southern province of Narathiwat on December 5, 2024. More than 30,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to severe flooding in southern Thailand, where the death toll climbed to 29, officials said December 4. - AFP
BANGKOK (Bernama): Floodwaters have started to recede in many areas of Thailand’s southern provinces, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) said, adding that close monitoring remains critical to mitigate and minimise impacts of floods.
DDPM Director-General Phasakorn Boonyaluck, stated that flooding continues to affect five provinces - Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat - impacting 1,034 villages and 122,482 households.
"Although floodwaters have receded in many areas, close monitoring remains essential, particularly with continued forecasts of heavy rainfall in the southern region," he said in a statement following the Central Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting held in Narathiwat on Thursday.
Phasakorn said the severe flooding in the southern provinces since Nov 22 has claimed 29 lives. Narathiwat has been particularly hard-hit, with all 13 districts - Muang, Sri Sakhon, Cho-Airong, Waeng, Bacho, Yi-Ngo, Ra-ngae, Rue So, Chanae, Sukhirin, Sungai Kolok, Sungai Padi, and Tak Bai - currently under heightened alert.
"Disasters are becoming more frequent and severe. While we cannot prevent natural disasters, our goal is to minimise their impact, ensuring public safety and reducing damage. The core of DDPM's mission is early warning - fast, accurate, and comprehensive," he stated.
He added that the DDPM has established a forward command unit in Narathiwat to coordinate with southern provinces on disaster preparedness and response, as well as to expedite relief measures for affected residents.
Meanwhile, Deputy Government Spokesperson Sasikan Wattanachan highlighted that the government has been actively providing assistance and monitoring the flood situation, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups.
"In the past two to three weeks, over 10,000 individuals in vulnerable groups have received assistance, including food, shelter, and healthcare support," she said.
Sasikan emphasised that the government has directed all agencies to ensure comprehensive care for all affected individuals.
"Vulnerable individuals who have not yet received assistance can contact the People’s Welfare Acceleration Centre (SRSC) via the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security hotline at 1300, available 24/7," she added. - Bernama
