In a recent assessment, the government has pegged the total damage from the Northern floods at a substantial 3 billion baht. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat shed light on the situation yesterday, emphasizing the notable impact of the flash floods in the North.
“But luckily, it didn’t last long,” Mr. Julapun remarked optimistically.
The Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council provided an initial estimate of the flood damage, confirming the 3 billion baht figure. Mr. Julapun reassured that the devastation hadn’t spread out enough to cause a significant dent in this year’s economic growth.
Efforts to aid and compensate the flood victims in both the Northern and Northeastern regions are in full swing, with various agencies putting in sustained efforts.
Apisak Sawatdirak, manager of the Mae Sai Office of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA), shared encouraging news yesterday – around 80% of the water supply had been successfully restored. Nonetheless, issues like leaky or broken pipes continue to plague 15% to 20% of the system.
“This flood in Mae Sai was severe. We began repairing the water system as soon as we got to the flooded areas, which was about Sept 15,” Mr. Apisak explained. “Teams from the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority also lent a hand, helping us locate the damaged and leaky pipes. By next week, full service should be back up and running.”
Moreover, the PWA discovered damage to two crucial water distribution systems at Koh Chang and Mae Khai stations. These stations collectively serve around 15,000 people. Koh Chang station managed to resume operations first and provided some water supply to Mae Khai station subsequently.
Mr. Apisak also made an important announcement: the PWA will be waiving water bills this month for households and small businesses in officially declared disaster zones.
In parallel, Mae Sai District Chief Narongpol Kid-an described the ongoing efforts by district and local administrative organizations to clear garbage and mud from the affected villages. He estimated it would take about a month before residents could safely return to their homes.
Currently, about 500 households remain in various shelters, with officials and volunteers working tirelessly to look after them. These families are receiving the necessary care and support until they can move back to their homes and rebuild their lives, Mr. Narongpol concluded.
This level of damage is truly devastating. It’s hard to imagine how these communities will recover!
The government always underestimates recovery timelines. It’ll take years, not months.
Well, radical infrastructure changes might be needed. These disasters are becoming more frequent.
I agree, but the prompt response and waiving of water bills are good initial steps.
Flash floods are directly linked to climate change. Wake up, people!
Climate change might be a factor, but local deforestation also plays a huge role.
Both issues need to be addressed! We’ll get nowhere if we don’t take a comprehensive approach.
3 billion baht damage? Seems like a prime opportunity for blockchain-based fundraising for disaster relief!
Not sure blockchain is the answer here. People need immediate relief, not futuristic solutions.
Blockchain has its place, but traditional methods like government aid are more practical right now.
Fair points, but innovative financing shouldn’t be ignored entirely.
The restoration of the water supply is encouraging, but what about medical aid for the displaced families?
Healthcare often gets overlooked in disaster relief. It should be a priority!
Doctors and nurses are just as stretched as other services. They are doing their best.
I’m skeptical of the government’s optimistic economic outlook. How can this not affect overall growth?
Sometimes, governments downplay to prevent panic, but it doesn’t help long-term planning.
The impact may be localized. Depending on the broader economic context, it can be absorbed.
True, but continued climate events will chip away at our economy over time. We need better forecasting.
Kudos to the volunteers working tirelessly. They deserve more recognition.
Waiving water bills is a good start, but what about electric bills? People need power too.
Mae Sai has always been vulnerable. Proper structural changes should have been done decades ago.
Absolutely! Reactive measures aren’t enough anymore; we need proactive solutions.
It’s heartening to see the collaborative effort between local and metropolitan agencies. More of this, please.
Inter-agency cooperation is key to effective disaster management.
In my day, we had better community resilience. Modern society is too reliant on government intervention.
Times have changed. Modern issues require modern solutions.
We can learn from past resilience while also embracing new technologies and methods.
Disasters like these highlight the biggest gaps in our social safety nets. We need systemic changes.
Reform is never easy but absolutely necessary. Let’s push for it!
The energy and spirit of those working on the ground is really inspiring. Restores my faith in humanity.
I feel like international aid should be mobilized for events like this. It’s too big for local authorities alone.
Aid is often conditional and politically motivated. Local resilience can be more sustainable.
How are they ensuring that the aid actually reaches the affected people and isn’t mismanaged?
Still waiting to hear about the environmental cleanup plan. Better infrastructure won’t mean much if the land isn’t habitable.
Would love to see more concerted efforts towards flood-proofing in the future to minimize economic losses.