04.10.09 PM to visit flood zones, urges helping agencies to closely monitor situation
Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva urges the agencies concerned to
closely follow up and monitor the flood situation in many provinces and
to promptly provide assistance to flood victims.
The premier said he is ready to visit the flood-affected areas to
give moral support and relief to the people who have been heavily hit
by the floods.
Mr Abhisit said he had followed up the flood situation and it was
reported that a number of provinces in the north, northeastern and
southern regions have experienced flooding after heavy rains.
Despite official assistance being delivered, the water level in some
areas not only did not recede but was rising, particularly after
continuing rain, he said.
The premier asked the agencies concerned to closely monitor the
flooding, and urged the public to follow weather reports and forecasts.
Government agencies had already prepared their plans to respond to
the flooding, he said, adding that the government had reserved an
emergency budget which could be used to for additional help.
As for Bangkok, he also urged the metropolitan area authorities to be alert and respond to the flood.
Mr Abhisit said that Thailand is helping its neighbours, the
Philippines and Indonesia, which were heavily hit by typhoon and
earthquake respectively.
Rice, medical supplies, electricity generators were sent to the two countries, he said.
At least three people died as Typhoon Parma dumped heavy rain across
the Philippines on Saturday, after floods caused by Ketsana storm
claimed some 290 lives earlier.
In Indonesia, rescuers scrambled to reach up to 4,000 people still
believed to be trapped under the rubble after Wednesday's 7.6-magnitude
quake which devastated the city of Padang in Sumatra island.
The official toll stands at 777 but the government has said it expects the figure to rise much higher.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department reported on Saturday evening
that a trough of low pressure cells lie across the upper south and the
coastal zone, and a rather strong southwest monsoon prevails over the
Andaman Sea, the south and the Gulf of Thailand.
Abundant rain with isolated heavy rainfalls are likely in the areas.
People in at-risk areas should beware of flooding. This condition
alerts for provinces of Ranong, Phangnga and Chumphon.
Wind and waves of about two meters are likely in the Andaman Sea and
the Gulf of Thailand. All ships in the areas should proceed with
caution during this period. (TNA) Source: TNA, 04.10.09 http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=12126
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