Government Activates 24-Hour Command Center for Northern Floods and Drought
Thailand's government activated a 24-hour command center to manage flooding and drought across the northern region, authorizing provincial governors to immediately deploy emergency funds for disaster relief and public assistance.
The government has established a 24-hour operations center to address flooding and drought in Thailand's northern region, streamlining bureaucratic procedures and authorizing provincial governors to immediately deploy emergency funds to assist the public. Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan Wongsawat, heading the northern water disaster and drought management committee, has directed all relevant agencies to adopt proactive measures against severe weather conditions including heavy rainfall, flash flooding, flash floods, and drought in certain areas. The effort includes setting up sub-command centers, mobilizing personnel and machinery including water pumps to operate around the clock, with military and regional disaster prevention center support available if resources fall short. Governors of high-risk areas are authorized to use emergency provisional funds for disaster relief without delays from bureaucratic procedure, with emphasis on supporting vulnerable populations. If evacuations become necessary, officials will conduct comprehensive surveys and expedite compensation payments to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Long-term measures for drought-prone areas include accelerating water resource assessments, securing domestic water reserves, and coordinating with farmers to adjust crop-planting plans.
