22-8-2024 (BANGKOK) In a swift response to severe flooding in northern Thailand, the Defence Ministry has ordered military units to provide immediate assistance to affected residents, demonstrating the government’s commitment to disaster relief even during the ongoing political transition.
Defence Minister Sutin Klungsang announced on Thursday that military units across the country have been placed on high alert, ready to respond to natural disasters at a moment’s notice. He emphasised that the central command would issue urgent orders as needed, based on the evolving situation.
“Our top priority is to address the public’s problems as quickly as possible,” Minister Klungsang stated. He sought to reassure the public that the military’s rescue and aid operations would continue uninterrupted, despite the fact that the new Cabinet has yet to be finalised.
The flooding, which has affected seven provinces in the North and Northeast, including Lampang, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Phetchabun, and Udon Thani, has prompted a coordinated response from various government agencies.
Pol Colonel Pornsak Laorujiralai, acting commander of the Marine Police Division, reported that all marine police units in the North have deployed boats to patrol flooded areas and provide necessary assistance to local residents. In one instance, marine police in Chiang Rai province successfully evacuated approximately 10 people who were trapped by rising water levels near the Lai Ngao intersection in Wiang Kaen district.
The situation remains critical, with the National Water Resources Office issuing an urgent warning of potential flash flooding in 12 northern provinces from Saturday. The provinces at risk include Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.
