The Prime Minister visited the temporary shelter for flood victims in Chiang Rai. The ONWR reported that the situation in Chiang Rai will improve in 1-2 days if there is no more rain. However, the Mekong River is still a concern as the water level is overflowing the banks. Fragile areas are being monitored. If an incident occurs, evacuation is ready immediately.
At 2:15 p.m., Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, arrived at Chiang Rai Rajabhat University, a temporary shelter for flood victims, to visit the victims and hand out relief bags to the affected people in Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister listened to a report on the water situation. Mr. Surasee Kittimondol, Secretary-General of the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR), reported that the trend of water volume of this size in Chiang Rai Province has passed the critical point and will continue to decrease. It is expected that the situation will improve within 1-2 days if there is no additional rainfall
. When the water level reaches the bank level, the water drainage obstacles will be urgently removed. However, the current situation of concern is the Mekong River, which flows from Chiang Rai Province to Loei and Nong Khai Provinces. The water level is still rising and the bank protection line may need to be reinforced. ONWR has already held a meeting with the province to issue an advance warning. In particular, hospital areas and vulnerable areas will be ordered to evacuate people immediately.
The Prime Minister also asked about the water situation in the Ing River, which is expected to be at its worst on September 18. It has been reported that it has reached the bank level and that water and electricity will be urgently managed to return to normal so that people can return to their hometowns. At the same time, the Prime Minister also asked about the accuracy of the water monitoring system, which was answered that it was more than 90% accurate. He stressed that people must be warned and prepared to prevent
damage.
Later, the Prime Minister walked into the main conference hall of the temporary shelter to help flood victims, visited and gave encouragement to flood victims and bedridden patients, and gave them relief bags from various agencies. During this time, some villagers cried and said that they had nothing left. The Prime Minister gave encouragement and said to be patient a little longer. The government and all agencies have come to take action, so please be patient a little longer. He also praised everyone for being so great that they have fought until today before the Prime Minister traveled back to Bangkok.
Source: Thai News Agency