PM discusses rehab plan with 26 provinces still troubled by floods

PM discusses rehab plan with 26 provinces still troubled by floods

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has conferred with related authorities from 26 provinces where flooding still persists while stressing the need for damages to be assessed at haste after water subsides.

In his capacity as Director of the Emergency Operation Center for Flood, Storm and Landslide, Permanent Secretary for Interior Phranai Suwannarat reported that 26 provinces across the country still remained under floodwater. They comprise Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Kalasin, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok and Prachin Buri.

Over 730,000 families or 2 million people in 140 districts are still affected by the disaster. The death toll has risen to 373 with two persons declared missing. Devastation has been reported on over 10 million rai of farmland and nearly 300 roads.

Prime Minister Yingluck has called a meeting via videoconference with related agencies representing the 26 flood-hit provinces, during which rehabilitation measures for local residents were emphasized. The premier insisted that workers who lost their jobs due to the catastrophe must be employed again after the situation had returned to normal while flood damages must be speedily evaluated in order for assistance to be promptly given to those in need.

In the meantime, Ms Yingluck suggested that cooking ingredients, rather than instant foods, be provided for victims who chose to stay in their homes in a bid to allow them to prepare healthy meals for themselves while waiting for floodwater to dry up.

BANGKOK, 27 October 2011 (NNT) – Reporter : Surapan Laotharanarit

News Date : 27 October 2011