Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has urged all agencies to step up flood preparedness as the Thai Meteorological Department warns of a possible increase in rainfall, with heavy to very heavy downpours in some areas, from 9-13 October. The affected regions include the East, Central, Bangkok and its vicinity, and the South.
● Main concerns:
- Rain in the upper regions is easing, but the coming days are a critical window to speed up drainage and prepare water-retention areas before the next wave of rain.
- Vulnerable groups, including bedridden patients and the elderly, must be kept safe and separated from the general population in shelters to reduce infection risks.
● Key Directives:
- Early warning and communication: Use the TMD's heavy-rain impact maps and "Nowcast" system to give people clear, timely alerts and prepare evacuations in advance, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Bang Pakong River Basin: Install water-pushing machines at the river mouth in Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao to speed up drainage.
- Southern provinces: Rehearse emergency plans and ensure resources and personnel are fully ready.
- Public health: Prepare for health issues and infections that often follow receding floodwaters, and manage dead animals and disease control properly.
- Waterway clearance: Survey and remove obstructions to improve drainage.
- Provincial readiness: Governors must closely monitor rainfall 3-6 hours ahead and keep response teams on standby.
Agencies needing support can raise their needs at the daily meeting of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command Center, enabling the government to respond without delay.
