Floods in Thailand: Death Toll Rises to 8, More Than 545,000 Affected
Over the past 10 days, floods in Thailand have killed 8 people and affected more than 545,000 across 25 provinces. Bangkok has declared two official public holidays.
Yulduz Salimov2 min read
In Thailand, over the past 10 days, floods caused by heavy rains have killed 8 people and affected more than 545,000. This is according to data from the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
According to the department, the heavy rains affected 25 provinces across the country. The death toll continues to rise.
In the capital, Bangkok, where 50 districts have been declared disaster zones, about 52,000 households have been affected by the floods, and around 5,000 more people have been evacuated to temporary shelters. Two official public holidays have been declared in Bangkok.
Prime Minister and Interior Minister of Thailand Anutin Charnvirakul visited the areas of Bangkok most affected by the floods on 28 September. At a press conference, he said the government is trying to help those affected by all available means.
“The government is doing everything it can to help citizens affected by the floods, but priority goes to those whose lives are in danger,” said Anutin Charnvirakul.
During the prime minister's visit, some citizens expressed dissatisfaction, saying the government's efforts were insufficient.
Military forces deployed in search-and-rescue and humanitarian operations across the country have joined the effort in Bangkok. Servicemen in trucks and boats helped people move around and delivered food and water to homes that found themselves in difficult conditions.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said that once the rains stop, water pumping operations will speed up, but due to water flowing in from elevated areas, in some districts of the city the water may not recede for several days.
The floods also disrupted operations at two of Bangkok's international airports. At Suvarnabhumi Airport, delays in flights and baggage handling were observed because part of the ground staff could not reach work and due to equipment problems.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) urged passengers to arrive at airports no less than 3 hours before departure. The authorities recommended that citizens follow official warnings, avoid dangerous areas, and, upon receiving evacuation instructions, move immediately to safe locations.
Source: milliyet.com.tr
