Authorities have outlined a comprehensive strategy for assisting Hat Yai, a vital economic center in southern Thailand, following devastating floods. The aid encompasses emergency relief, financial compensation, recovery initiatives, and long-term flood prevention measures, according to government officials. This response comes after a period of significant rainfall and subsequent flooding that impacted numerous households and businesses in the region.
Emergency Relief and Compensation Disbursed
Songkhla province has already allocated a substantial 2.1 billion baht in emergency funds to support victims of last year’s catastrophic floods. These funds have been directed towards covering essential living expenses, providing necessary medical care, and aiding in the rehabilitation of agricultural sectors that were severely affected. In Hat Yai specifically, the compensation program has concluded, with 94,734 households receiving a total of 1.9 billion baht designated for livelihood assistance. This marks a significant step in restoring normalcy for affected residents.
Furthermore, a government-backed relief package, approved by the cabinet, ensured that each eligible household impacted by the floods received a direct payment of 9,000 baht. Across the entirety of Songkhla province, this initiative reached 642,644 households, distributing a cumulative sum of 5.8 billion baht. Within Hat Yai district alone, 248,334 households benefited from this program, receiving a combined total of 2.2 billion baht.
International Funding for Post-Flood Recovery
Beyond domestic financial aid, the government has secured international support to bolster post-flood recovery efforts in Songkhla. The cabinet has approved the acceptance of a 66-million-baht grant from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). This crucial funding is earmarked for several key projects aimed at rebuilding and strengthening the region’s infrastructure and services.
Specific uses for the ADB grant include:
- Replacing damaged medical equipment at Hatyai Hospital to ensure continued quality healthcare services.
- Procuring essential equipment for the provincial public health office to enhance its operational capabilities.
- Repairing evacuation centers within the Kho Hong municipality, ensuring safe shelter during future emergencies.
- Providing targeted assistance to vulnerable households that may require additional support during the recovery phase.
These projects are slated for completion within a six-month timeframe, demonstrating a commitment to swift and effective recovery.
Addressing Funding Inquiries and Long-Term Prevention
In response to queries regarding a proposed 99.5-million-baht funding request from central government sources, officials clarified that this amount represents additional proposals submitted by local business organizations. These proposals are focused on future rehabilitation and long-term flood prevention strategies, rather than indicating any prior failure by the government to allocate necessary funds. The government maintains that adequate resources have been and continue to be directed towards flood mitigation and victim support.
U-Tapao Canal Basin Master Plan
Looking towards sustainable flood management, the government has given its approval for a comprehensive 34.3-billion-baht master plan. This ambitious plan is designed to address the persistent flooding issues within the U-Tapao Canal basin, an area recognized as one of the most flood-prone regions in southern Thailand. The strategy aims to significantly reduce the risk and impact of future flood events.
Immediate Flood Mitigation Measures
Immediate actions under the master plan are already underway and include:
- Dredging of nine key canals to improve water flow and capacity.
- Repairing 161 irrigation facilities that were damaged during previous flood events.
- Enhancing the existing flood forecasting and early warning systems to provide timely alerts to the public.
- Conducting studies for the construction of new drainage canals to increase the overall water discharge capacity from the basin.
Prime Minister’s Visit and Flood Prevention Oversight
These announcements and updates follow a recent visit by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to Songkhla. During his inspection, the Prime Minister reviewed ongoing flood prevention projects, including critical repairs to the damaged Ror 1 canal. He assured that these repairs would be completed before the anticipated peak flood season later in the year.
The Prime Minister also addressed concerns about the political allocation of flood-control budgets. He firmly rejected claims that funding decisions were influenced by political affiliations, emphasizing that flood management is a governmental responsibility, not one tied to specific political parties. He highlighted Songkhla’s strategic importance and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring its safety and stability through effective flood management strategies.
The government affirmed that emergency funding for such projects would be approved before the conclusion of the current fiscal year, ensuring continuous support for flood mitigation and preparedness efforts in vulnerable regions like Hat Yai.
