The Royal Thai Army integrates to urgently help people in Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, and supports the care of elephants and animals affected.
Lt. Col. Kanyanat Ponnipatkul, assistant spokesperson of the Royal Thai Army, revealed that the situation of the floodwaters flowing into the area of ??Kuet Chang Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, resulting in damage to houses, elephant camps, and the Elephant and Environmental Conservation Foundation due to the rapidly rising water levels yesterday (4 Oct 67).
The Royal Thai Army, represented by the 2nd Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, the 3rd Animal and Agriculture Division, and the Animal Battalion of the Army Animal Department, has deployed personnel and unit vehicles to support all sectors in the rescue operation. They held a meeting to plan the work and expedited the evacuation of people and animals to safe areas. They have also worked with provincial government agencies to set up two flood relief centers in the area:
Wat Mae Taman, with approximately 80 victims, and Wat Muang Kuet, with approximately 200 victims. The Army’s field kitchen vehicles have also been dispatched to prepare cooked food and distribute it to victims and officials working in the area. At the same time, since the area is high, there are signal failures, and some areas have temporary power outages. The unit has provided military radios to both centers to facilitate coordination and operations in a fast, efficient manner.
Today (October 5, 2014), the water level in the area has started to recede. Therefore, the unit has collaborated with government agencies, foundations, and the public sector to urgently provide assistance to those affected by the disaster, including facilitating travel, inspecting damage, and restoring houses. They have also spread out to search for elephants and other animals that have gone missing in various areas. Currently, 2 elephants have been found dead, and assistance is still being provided. In addition, the unit’s trucks ha
ve been used in conjunction with Mae Taeng Livestock to load dry grass, animal feed, and medical supplies for treating animal injuries to be given to animal farmers in the area, and to facilitate veterinarians in treating animals to reduce any impacts that may occur. If people in Chiang Mai Province need additional support, they can contact the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation’s hotline at 1784 or local military units, including the Disaster Relief Center, Third Army Region at 055-242-859 and the 33rd Army Area at 053-241-644, 24 hours a day.
Source: Thai News Agency