The Prime Minister ordered all agencies to urgently help both people and animals, while Chiang Mai Province continues to monitor the Ping River as it is expected to reach its highest level tonight.
Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, advisor to the Prime Minister and spokesman of the Operation Center for Flood, Storm and Landslide Relief Operations (OCR), said that Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, the Prime Minister, has been following the flood situation in Chiang Mai with concern and has received continuous reports. Initially, she has ordered all relevant agencies to urgently provide assistance to the people and animals.
The Prime Minister was informed that the water has started to flow back into the Mae Taeng River. Previously, elephants were moved to higher ground, but as the water level began to recede, there were no elephants soaking in the water, so the plan was adjusted. There was no need to move the animals, but to monitor them constantly. Medicine was prepared and livestock officials were given close care. After th
is, officials sent forces to restore the affected houses so that everyone could return to normal as soon as possible. All units were also ordered to continuously monitor the situation, especially over the next 24 hours.
As for helping elephants in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has sent over 100 officers to the Elephant Care Center. A total of 126 elephants have been affected, 114 of which have been moved to safety. Nine elephants remain tied up on higher ground. The water level is now starting to recede. Animal feed will be rushed and livestock will be sent in to help.
As for the Ping River water situation at around 12.00 noon, P.1 Station, Nawarat Bridge, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province, the water level is at 5.30 meters, 1.10 meters higher than the temporary bank level that has been added from the original bank. It is expected that the volume of the Ping River will reach its highest at midnight tonight, when the water level will rise by app
roximately 50 cm, making it 1.60 meters higher than the temporary bank. A warning has been issued for areas on both sides of the Ping River in Chiang Mai Province, in the areas of Mueang District, Saraphi, Hang Dong, San Pa Tong, and Doi Lor, and in Lamphun Province, in the areas of Mueang District, Pa Sang, and Wiang Nong Long.
Mr. Jirayu added that for the police, the Commander of Provincial Police Region 5 led police forces to help flood victims in Sammakorn Village, Mueang Chiang Mai District, and jointly planned for recovery if the water level recedes. In addition, Chiang Mai Provincial Police also led patrol forces to help people and tourists stranded in flooded areas in Chom Thong District, Mae Ping District, and Mae Rim District, along with setting up a disaster relief center, a kitchen, and delivering food and drinking water to affected people.
The Forward Command Center monitors the Mae Sai rehabilitation and prepares to propose a 10,000 baht mud cleaning fee per house.
Mr. Jirayu added that toda
y, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior (Deputy Director of the Forward Command Center), along with Ms. Thirat Samretwanich, Deputy Minister of Interior (Chairman of the Forward Command Center), and General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense (Advisor to the Forward Command Center), and their team visited the area to monitor the water situation, assistance, and rehabilitation in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province. He stated that all sectors are currently mobilized to provide rehabilitation and expect to be able to clear the area for the people by the end of this month.
“Today, there was a discussion about preparing to propose to the Cabinet to consider adjusting the criteria for disbursing aid to flood victims to the highest level of 9,000 baht per household, including a proposal to pay mud cleaning costs of 10,000 baht per household because of the current situation in Chiang Rai, which is a major problem with mud, which requires a lot of people, tools, and ex
penses. If we can help people in this area, it will be beneficial,” said Mr. Jirayu.
Source: Thai News Agency