Interior Ministry Issues 11 Flood Orders, 24-Hour Centers
The Interior Ministry has issued 11 directives for provincial governors to manage flood risks, including establishing 24-hour command centers, especially in 14 southern provinces. The orders cover systematic response, risk assessment, resource sharing, medical readiness, waterway clearance, evacuation planning, public communication, damage assessment, relief distribution, cleanup, and utility restoration. Permanent Secretary Arnsith Sampantharat announced the measures following a National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command meeting.
The Interior Ministry’s 11 directives are: 1) Provincial governors must manage flood situations systematically, overseeing temporary shelters, vulnerable groups, electricity, water supplies, and the distribution of donations. 2) Provinces should use flood forecasts, risk zones, and situation trends in decision‑making, enhancing satellite‑image analysis for clear public warnings. 3) Provinces experiencing or at risk of flooding, especially in major river basins, must establish 24‑hour provincial command centers. 4) Provinces with sufficient resources and donations should support those with fewer resources. 5) Relevant agencies must prepare comprehensive medical services for temporary shelters and plan patient transfers. 6) Provinces, the Irrigation Department, and related agencies must urgently clear waterways of garbage, water hyacinth, and other vegetation to improve drainage. 7) Provinces expected to face flooding, particularly in the South, must review local emergency plans, identify risk areas, assign responsibilities, and evacuate residents to safe zones or shelters before floods arrive. 8) The Prime Minister’s Office spokesperson and related agencies must continuously inform the public through all communication channels. 9) Provinces, Bangkok, and local agencies must assess damage comprehensively and expedite transparent relief payments. 10) Authorities must drain floodwaters, remove waste and filth, clean homes and public areas to prevent post‑flood health problems, and implement a ‘Big Cleaning’ plan to restore normal life quickly. 11) Efforts must be made to restore electricity, water, roads, and telephone signals as swiftly and broadly as possible.
