THE government has approved emergency funds for flood victims amounting to US$122mil (RM498mil) following a deluge that had battered the country since mid-September, affecting more than 2.6 million people and killing at least 23.
The capital, Bangkok, is recovering after days of torrential rains and widespread flooding, but some disruptions remained.
Thailand’s main airport, which had been struck with flight cancellations, was struggling with a major baggage backlog.
According to government spokesperson Ekkapob Pianpises, the approved funds of 4.1 billion baht would be disseminated by the Interior Ministry to compensate people impacted by the floods nationwide.
Rain has largely stopped in Bangkok, but some neighbourhoods, particularly in the east, are still inundated.
The city’s governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, said traffic should return to normal on most main roads within two days, although in some low-lying areas, it could take up to seven days for roads to dry out.
While Bangkok was expected to stay dry, heavy rain was forecast elsewhere in Thailand yesterday, the Thailand Meteorological Department said.
Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said the flooding had caused an estimated 22 million baht (RM2.67mil) in damage to businesses nationwide.
Residents in 29 out of Thailand’s 76 provinces remained impacted by the floods yesterday, officials said. Of the deaths, four took place in Bangkok.
Thai Airways, one of the main airlines handling baggage at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, apologised to affected passengers for a massive luggage backlog, which the airline attributed in part to staff shortages caused by the flooding. Hundreds of suitcases were seen lining up at the arrivals area yesterday.
The Thai Air Force said it had sent personnel to the airport to assist with the luggage problem.
“I sincerely apologise to all passengers for the inconvenience caused. Thai Airways is making every effort to ensure that passengers are reunited with their baggage as soon as possible,” said Chai Eamsiri, the airline’s CEO.
The airline has also cancelled more than 10 of its domestic and international flights yesterday and today.
In Bang Kapi, one of Bangkok’s hardest hit neighbourhoods, residents waded through floodwaters and some used small boats to get around.
A makeshift market was set up on a raised walkway just outside a mall shortly after the flooding, and vendors from a nearby market, where the water remained knee-high, had moved there, selling meat, vegetables and herbs.
Music blared from loudspeakers and vendors called out to customers who waded through floodwater or walked through the mall to get to them.
Lon Cheng, a Cambodian vendor who has lived in Thailand for over 20 years, cheerfully called to customers and danced along with the music behind his vegetable stall. He said he had suffered huge losses in the floods.
“The first day... I spent about 70,000 baht (RM8,501) and I could sell only 20,000 baht (RM2,429),” he said. “It was a big loss, but even with losses, I still need to sell.” — AP/Reuters
