Songkhla: The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has sanctioned a substantial aid package amounting to 4,755.168 million baht for households affected by recent flooding. This decision, approved by the Songkhla Provincial Disaster Relief Committee, aims to provide relief to 528,352 flood-affected households across the province.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Arsit Sampantharat, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, emphasized the urgency of disbursing these funds during a meeting with the Songkhla Provincial Disaster Relief Committee. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Wittaya Chansena, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, and attended by heads of pertinent government agencies and district chiefs from all 16 districts. Mr. Thirut Suphawibunphon, Director-General of the Department of Local Administration, was also present.
Mr. Arsit instructed the Songkhla Governor to expedite the release of government reserve funds, boosted by an additional 100 million baht approved by the Comptroller General's Department. This increase aims to enhance the government's flood relief efforts under the governor's authority, ensuring comprehensive aid reaches those affected swiftly.
"People place their hopes in us civil servants, especially the district chiefs, who are the closest to the districts and bear the heavy burden of responsibility," Mr. Arsit stated. He urged district chiefs to integrate available resources to address and resolve the challenges posed by the floods. He also called for provincial readiness to support district efforts and for escalation to the Ministry of Interior if the situation exceeds local capabilities. Additionally, Mr. Arsit urged other government agencies to expedite surveys in areas like agriculture and livestock to mitigate the impact, aligning with the Prime Minister's directives.
In today's meeting, the committee approved aid distribution across all 16 districts, with each of the 528,352 households set to receive 9,000 baht, totaling 4,755,168,000 baht. The allocation includes Rattaphum District (26,929 households), Mueang Songkhla District (57,073 households), Khlong Hoi Khong District (10,863 households), among others. Given the ongoing impact of the floods, district chiefs have been tasked with conducting further surveys and presenting additional needs for approval in the next meeting.