BANGKOK, Thailand | Thailand’s government has approved more than 4 billion baht, or about $122 million, in emergency assistance after severe flooding affected more than 2.6 million people across the country and killed at least 19, while Bangkok continues to recover from days of torrential rain.
The Cabinet approved the relief package on Tuesday as floodwaters began receding in parts of Bangkok. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the funds would support people affected by the disaster, while authorities continue assessing damage and providing assistance in areas where flooding remains severe.
The floods have affected 42 provinces since September 16, according to Thailand’s Interior Ministry. Reuters reported that at least 23 people had died by Tuesday, while damage across two dozen provinces was estimated at about $367 million.
Bangkok received about 320 millimeters of rain in three days, nearly the amount the capital normally receives during the entire month of September. Flooding affected about 329,000 households, or roughly 700,000 people, in the capital, according to Bangkok’s Flood Control Center. Authorities declared a flood emergency across all 50 districts, while thousands of residents were moved into shelters.
The flooding also disrupted transportation and business activity. Suvarnabhumi Airport experienced major operational problems after large numbers of staff were unable to reach work, while Thai Airways reported flight cancellations and thousands of bags left unprocessed.
The government has also approved a much larger, long-term drainage project estimated at 160 billion baht, or about $4.8 billion. Reuters reported that the eight-year project is intended to improve flood protection in Bangkok, surrounding areas and the central region.
Thailand has a long history of severe flooding, particularly in the Chao Phraya River basin. The World Bank says the catastrophic 2011 floods affected 13.6 million people in 65 provinces and caused 815 deaths. That disaster caused an estimated $46.5 billion in damage and highlighted Bangkok’s vulnerability to major flooding.
As waters recede, authorities are shifting from emergency response toward recovery and longer-term flood control. The Thai government said provincial authorities have been instructed to assess damage and prepare rehabilitation plans as soon as affected areas become accessible.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
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