Thailand intensifies flood response ahead of Oct 4-5 heavy rain

BANGKOK: Thailand is stepping up its flood response ahead of heavy rain forecast for Oct 4 to 5, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordering emergency assistance for vulnerable groups.

Anutin, who is also interior minister, said under the government's "leave no one behind" approach, authorities were ordered to ensure timely assistance for the elderly, bedridden patients, children and people with disabilities.

"Authorities should accelerate assistance to affected people nationwide and survey households that still lack essential supplies, particularly vulnerable groups," he said after a meeting of the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Command on Thursday.

He also ordered close coordination between provincial authorities and the military in carrying out flood-response operations, including evacuations and post-flood recovery efforts.

Anutin emphasised the importance of using a single set of information when communicating with the public, particularly on water levels and drainage operations.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), flooding occurred in 43 provinces and Bangkok between Sept 16 and 30, affecting over 1.14 million households.

As of Oct 1, flooding persisted in 29 provinces and parts of Bangkok, it said. - BERNAMA