Flood-hit Chachoengsao residents fear another month underwater

Pak Nam subdistrict in Chachoengsao province has been grappling with flooding for over two weeks. Reports suggest the crisis could persist for another 30 days, exacerbating residents' distress over enduring the hardship. Daily life remains disrupted in Bang Khla, particularly in Pak Nam, where numerous families have lived with standing water for more than two weeks. The looming threat of a further month of flooding has left residents anxious about the lasting effects on their homes, livelihoods, and families.

Jintana, a resident in Moo 1 of Pak Nam, shared CCTV footage depicting large trucks navigating the lane without slowing down. The vehicles' waves overtopped sandbag barriers, causing water to flood homes. She urged heavy truck drivers to avoid the lane when possible or drive cautiously to prevent further damage. Those needing to use the route should proceed slowly to avoid disrupting the already affected homes.

Thanathon, a hospital patient assistant at Bang Khla Hospital and a flood victim, recounted the severe difficulties residents have faced over the past two weeks. Although some damaged items may seem insignificant, they represent years of hard work for their owners, making the loss deeply distressing. Commuting to work has become challenging, as flooded roads limit access to workplaces, even when they remain dry.

Many residents cannot afford to halt their work, as they must still support their families. If the flooding persists for 30 days, Thanathon warned, the impact on residents' mental health and living conditions could be severe. Those caring for bedridden patients, the elderly, or others requiring close supervision face additional challenges, as moving them out of their homes is difficult when roads are flooded and assistance is limited.

Access to food and sanitation is also a concern, particularly in areas emergency workers find hard to reach. Stagnant floodwater is beginning to deteriorate, emitting foul odors and leaving debris behind, further complicating daily life.

Thanathon thanked government agencies, organizations, and volunteers for their ongoing support, emphasizing that every act of assistance matters, even in hard-to-access areas. He called for lasting solutions to prevent similar flooding from recurring each year, as residents continue to suffer losses to their property, income, work, and everyday lives. He urged authorities to expedite water management plans and establish clear assistance measures to enable residents to plan their lives without facing prolonged uncertainty.