Environment Minister Takes Command of Sakaeo Flood Relief

Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin visited Sakaeo province today to oversee flood response operations and monitor rescue efforts firsthand. He instructed all Department of Natural Resources and Environment units to mobilize personnel, vehicles, boats, and rescue equipment at full capacity to assist affected communities, and ordered 24-hour monitoring of the situation to ensure rapid aid delivery.

Suchart explained that heavy rain beginning September 21 has caused widespread flooding across Sakaeo. He personally directed operations and coordinated with provincial and local agencies to pool all available resources. Priority efforts include evacuating residents and belongings to safe areas and distributing food, water, medicine, and essentials to displaced persons.

The Chaiyaphum Forestry Operation Center deployed 15 special rescue officers to Klongjareun village in Wang Nam Yen District, assisting with evacuations and distributing rice, drinking water, food, and basic medicines. Pangsida National Park mobilized trucks, lorries, flat-bottomed boats, and rescue gear to support operations in Tab Mai village and Aran Prathes District, with teams standing ready to relocate residents if conditions worsen.

Suchart also directed the Sakaeo Natural Resources and Environment Office to distribute 5,000 bottles of drinking water to flood victims. He emphasized: "I came here personally to assess the situation and ensure relief reaches people as quickly as possible. Public safety is our priority. We are deploying all personnel, boats, vehicles, and equipment to provide maximum support and will not abandon anyone in affected areas."

Suchart instructed all department units to maintain 24-hour surveillance of flood and disaster conditions, especially in areas experiencing heavy or cumulative rainfall, and to keep personnel, vehicles, tools, and rescue equipment ready for immediate deployment to support provincial authorities and aid residents at any time.