Bangkok: The Prime Minister is set to meet with the Disaster Management and Operations Committee on October 6th to oversee and monitor the relief efforts for flood victims. He has ordered a review of permanent measures to support individuals who have offered their farmland as flood-retention areas, emphasizing the necessity for accessible and comprehensive relief.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister, along with Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, will chair the first meeting of the Natural Disaster Management Committee (NDMC) at 2:00 PM, following the recent appointment by the Prime Minister’s Office Order No. 311/2568. This meeting aims to systematically oversee and integrate disaster relief efforts.
The Disaster Relief Operations Center (DRO) and the Natural Disaster Relief Operations Center (NDRO) were established after Mr. Anutin visited Bang Ban District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. His visit revealed recurring flood issues and insufficient past assistance, prompting the need
for a centralized, comprehensive mechanism for rapid and unified relief.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command (DPM), chaired by the Prime Minister, is tasked with directing the entire disaster response system, including preparedness, monitoring, prevention, and assistance during and post-disaster recovery. It also coordinates efforts among government agencies, state enterprises, and related organizations.
The ECDC, led by Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram, will act as central command, coordinating with government and local agencies to ensure comprehensive assistance for disaster victims. This includes evacuation, safety, provision of essential supplies, and establishment of temporary shelter systems.
Mr. Anutin has tasked the NRCT with developing permanent measures for individuals using their land as flood-retention areas. This aims to establish consistent compensation criteria, minimizing the need for individual claims and addressing persistent flooding issues.
The Prime Minister reiterated th
e importance of swift, transparent, and comprehensive disaster relief, instructing the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to expedite the verification and registration of disaster victims. He also urged government agencies to submit relief measures to the NDRC for compilation before Cabinet submission.
Mr. Anutin emphasized the government’s priority in aiding people during times of need. Following his visit on September 27, 2015, he instructed ministers to monitor various areas, listen to concerns, and ensure that the DDPM closely reports information to the Prime Minister for effective and timely relief measures.