PM warns of rain as cleanup begins

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has called for expedited flood recovery efforts and cautioned 14 southern provinces to brace for additional heavy rainfall. The Prime Minister led a video conference on flood relief operations, attended by key officials from the Interior Ministry, provincial governors, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the military.

He emphasized that the initial flooding wave has largely receded in major impacted regions, prioritizing rehabilitation and assistance. Authorities were instructed to provide medical care for flood-related ailments, clear debris, and restore utilities such as water, electricity, and other public services. Provinces were tasked with conducting rapid damage assessments and submitting lists of eligible households to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation for prompt compensation.

The Prime Minister urged all agencies to remain cautious, with 14 southern provinces, including Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, advised to prepare for further heavy rain. The Royal Irrigation Department must collaborate with local authorities to warn residents of potential water releases and manage water levels to minimize disruptions.

Clear, concise warnings free of technical jargon are crucial, and evacuation orders must ensure the safe exit of vulnerable residents. Provinces outside high-risk zones should compile detailed inventories of equipment, including mobile toilets, pumps, trucks, and excavators, to facilitate resource deployment when necessary. The Meteorological Department predicts rain from October 9 to 13, with particularly heavy rainfall expected in the South from October 12 to 13.