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Deputy PM Phumtham Wechayachai Reassures Amid Northern Thailand Floods: Strategic Response in Action

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Imagine an aerial view of Tha Wang Pha district in Nan, where rivers of murky floodwater intertwine among the rooftops and streets, painting almost an apocalyptic scene across this residential zone in the northern province of Thailand. This breathtaking view, captured vividly by the Disaster Response Association of Thailand, offers a stark reminder of nature’s ruthless force.

Yet, amid this watery chaos, hope flows steadily from the government’s assurances. Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai confidently announced that Bangkok and other downstream provinces would remain untouched by this northern turmoil. His words were a beacon of relief as he described the administration’s control over the situation.

On Thursday, Mr. Phumtham detailed the government’s tireless efforts. Resources have been rallied to battle the floodwaters inundating Chiang Rai, Phrae, Nan, Phayao, and Sukhothai. Drawing from the wisdom of the Meteorological and Royal Irrigation Departments, he clarified that the devastation wasn’t spawned by extreme storms but rather by runoff from monsoon rains cascading from higher altitudes.

Hope glimmers in Mr. Phumtham’s forecast — the floods, he says, are expected to recede within days. The reason? The Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit province is only 60% full, ready to soak up more runoff and bring respite to the waterlogged lands.

The government’s strategic approach is multi-faceted. The Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives Ministry, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID), and the Office of Natural Water Resources (ONWR) have been summoned to keep vigilant eyes on the northern regions most deeply disabled by the floods.

In a swift move, the Interior Ministry has been tasked with establishing emergency centers to streamline coordination. These flood-hit terrains would be declared as disaster zones, unlocking immediate financial aid. Schools in these areas have been closed by directive of the Education Ministry, while the Transport Ministry has sprung into action surveying road damage and deploying makeshift bridges to safeguard travel.

Meanwhile, the Commerce Ministry is ensuring that basic necessities are available at fair prices. It’s a synchronized dance of governmental bodies, all working to maintain a semblance of normalcy amidst chaos.

When pressed about comparisons to the catastrophic floods of 2011, Mr. Phumtham reassured, “Don’t panic. The situation is manageable; if the skies hold their tears, the improvement will soon follow.”

In pursuit of every drop of precaution, Thamanat Prompow, the Acting Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, highlighted relentless efforts to contain the northern floodwaters and shield the lower regions from overflow. The Yom River’s excess is being redirected to the Sirikit Dam, sparing the downstream provinces like Sukhothai and Phitsanulok from further distress.

Capt Thamanat, committed to hands-on leadership, will visit Phayao, Phrae, and Nan to oversee the flood response first-hand. He echoed the sentiment of reassurance, pointing out that the country’s primary reservoirs still have ample capacity to absorb more water.

Meanwhile, down in the bustling heart of Bangkok, preparations are in full swing. Surat Charoenchaisakul, the Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage, is bracing the city for the anticipated arrival of northern runoff. City Hall is fortifying flood walls along the Chao Phraya River while repairing breaches and distributing sandbags to vulnerable communities.

“We’ve got 8-9 days to prepare. The water from the Yom will travel through Nakhon Sawan and Chai Nat before reaching Bangkok, as there’s no reservoir to stem its flow,” Surat explained. “During September and October, as canals swell, our pumps will stand ready to expel the water.”

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to X (formerly known as Twitter), expressing her deep concern for the flood-stricken areas. With Mr. Phumtham at the helm of the flood response, her confidence in his leadership radiated through her words.

However, the ONWR is not standing idly by. A stark warning has been issued for potential flash floods and landslides across 35 provinces until August 30 due to the heavy rains. The Meteorological Department passionately urged residents in the North and Northeast to stay alert from August 21 to 27.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the current toll is significant. Seven provinces are grappling with floods, affecting 12,777 households. Among the hardest hit are Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Phetchabun, and Udon Thani.

The battle against nature’s fury unfolds with resilience and unwavering solidarity, promising a gradual return to normalcy.

33 Comments

  1. Alice Monroe August 22, 2024

    This sounds like a well-coordinated effort. Hopefully, this will prevent damage similar to the 2011 floods.

    • greenearth55 August 22, 2024

      It’s a pity they only act when a disaster is about to happen. Why not focus more on preventing these situations in the first place?

      • Alice Monroe August 22, 2024

        Absolutely, better infrastructure and planning could mitigate these issues greatly.

      • Tommy August 22, 2024

        Totally agree. What about building more dams or better drainage systems?

  2. Sophie T August 22, 2024

    It’s good to hear that the government is taking action, but how do they ensure fair distribution of resources and aid?

    • John_Doe August 22, 2024

      I wonder the same thing. Corruption can often undermine the best-laid plans.

  3. Liam P. August 22, 2024

    From my understanding, building infrastructure to anticipate flooding is incredibly expensive and isn’t feasible for all areas.

    • naturelover42 August 22, 2024

      Sometimes the upfront cost is worth it. Look at places with successful flood prevention systems, like the Netherlands.

    • Researcher007 August 22, 2024

      It’s not only about costs; it’s about prioritizing long-term benefits over short-term fixes.

  4. changsword123 August 22, 2024

    These floods might push the government to finally adapt to climate change issues.

    • Mia W. August 22, 2024

      Hopefully. Climate change is no joke, and preparing for its impacts is crucial.

  5. Derek J August 22, 2024

    The media always sensationalizes these events. The government probably has it more under control than we think.

  6. Susan Park August 22, 2024

    What about the animals and natural habitats? Flooding affects more than just humans.

    • naturelover42 August 23, 2024

      Exactly. We need more focus on environmental protection in disaster response plans.

    • Sophie T August 23, 2024

      Yes, the ripple effects on ecosystems can be devastating.

  7. Fatima August 22, 2024

    What will happen to the schools that were closed? Will students catch up on missed education later?

    • Shawn K. August 23, 2024

      Schools often have contingency plans, but prolonged closures can set students back significantly.

  8. Ella August 23, 2024

    Is there enough medical support for those affected? Floods can lead to serious health issues.

  9. Luke Martin August 23, 2024

    It’s great that the Commerce Ministry is monitoring prices to prevent price gouging in a crisis.

  10. justme42 August 23, 2024

    I’m skeptical about the assurance that downstream provinces will remain untouched. Nature is unpredictable.

    • Derek J August 23, 2024

      Phumtham seems confident, but you’re right. We should brace for any eventuality.

    • Luke Martin August 23, 2024

      Indeed, better to be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best.

  11. Researcher007 August 23, 2024

    The proactive stance and coordination among various ministries is a strong indicator of efficient governance.

  12. John_Doe August 23, 2024

    Are there any international organizations aiding in this effort? The scale seems massive.

    • Alice Monroe August 23, 2024

      Good point. International aid could make a big difference here.

  13. Tommy August 23, 2024

    How will the affected families manage in the meantime? The financial strain must be enormous.

  14. Mia W. August 23, 2024

    Glad to see Thamanat Prompow taking a hands-on approach in overseeing flood responses directly at the affected sites.

    • Sophie T August 23, 2024

      Personal involvement often assures the public more than distant statements.

    • Shawn K. August 23, 2024

      Yes, leadership presence is vital during crises.

  15. Susan Park August 23, 2024

    What about mental health support for those who lost everything? It’s a significant aspect that’s often overlooked.

  16. naturelover42 August 23, 2024

    While they focus on managing current floods, they should also think about future-proofing strategies.

  17. Liam P. August 23, 2024

    It’s encouraging to see an organized response, but continuous improvement is essential for future crises.

  18. Derek J August 23, 2024

    Let’s be realistic, no government can prepare for every single contingency. There’s always an element of unpredictability.

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