Bangkok: The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has reported that ongoing flooding in nine southern provinces of Thailand has affected more than 1.2 million households and over 3.5 million people.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Thiraphat Kachmat, Director-General of the DDPM, revealed that as of 6:00 a.m. on November 28, 2015, the flood situation persists across 105 districts, 723 sub-districts, and 5,381 villages. The affected provinces include Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, with varying water levels reported in different areas.
In Surat Thani Province, flooding continues to impact seven districts, with 16,891 households affected. Water levels are reportedly decreasing. Conversely, Nakhon Si Thammarat faces rising water levels across 22 districts, affecting 238,775 households. Trang and Yala Provinces are also experiencing rising water levels, impacting 14,253 and 59,878 households, respectively.
Meanwhile, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla, and Pattani Provinces report decreasing water levels, yet they still face significant challenges. In Songkhla alone, 403,053 households remain affected. Narathiwat Province continues to face rising water levels, impacting 83,245 households.
The DDPM has intensified efforts to integrate cooperation with various sectors under the Ministry of Interior's directives. The focus is on providing comprehensive assistance and rehabilitation, especially in severely affected areas where conditions have improved. Efforts include establishing mobile kitchens in communities for convenient food preparation, coordinating temporary shelters with functioning water systems, and expediting water system repairs by the Provincial Waterworks Authority, Hat Yai Branch.
Additionally, the DDPM is deploying personnel and machinery to support cleanup operations and facilitate disaster relief efforts. These initiatives aim to provide urgent livelihood assistance and ensure the rapid return to normalcy for those affected by the floods.