Heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding in Takua Pa district, Phang Nga province, impacting approximately 1,000 households across five subdistricts. Rescue teams deployed rubber boats on September 19 to reach residents in the most severely affected areas, where floodwaters in some locations, like Khok Kian, surged to over two meters. The inundation has disrupted daily life, prompting many residents to seek shelter with relatives, though a few have remained in their homes to safeguard belongings.
Widespread Flooding Affects Multiple Subdistricts
The flooding has primarily affected parts of the following subdistricts: Khok Kian, Bang Sai, Tamtua, Bang Nai Si, and Takua Pa itself. While not every area within these subdistricts is submerged, the impact on affected villages is substantial. Officials have identified at least one additional village within the district experiencing severe conditions.
Emergency Response and Relief Efforts Underway
In response to the crisis, provincial authorities have mobilized a comprehensive relief operation. Phang Nga Governor Phairat Phetyuan dispatched Deputy Governor Bancha Thanuin to the affected region, accompanied by Takua Pa district chief Damrong Chimthap, local village leaders, and disaster prevention personnel. Their immediate mission was to deliver essential supplies, including boxed meals and drinking water, to residents who remain in flooded areas.
Coordination and Support for Residents
Deputy Governor Bancha emphasized the governor’s directive to expedite assistance to flood victims. This involves close collaboration between the district chief, local administrative bodies, subdistrict administrators, and village heads. To ensure a consistent food supply for those unable to cook for themselves, field kitchens have been established. The Phang Nga disaster prevention and mitigation office is also working to augment the drinking water supply by deploying water trucks.
Charitable Assistance and Survival Kits
The Takua Pa district chief has reached out to various charity foundations to solicit additional support for the flood-affected population. Plans are also in motion to set up a second kitchen in the Bang Sai subdistrict to increase the capacity for preparing meals. Furthermore, the Phang Nga Red Cross is preparing approximately 250 survival kits. Of these, 200 are designated for households in Takua Pa, with an additional 50 allocated for those in the neighboring Kapong district. Distribution of the Takua Pa kits was anticipated for September 20, prioritizing households where floodwaters have begun to recede, enabling residents to resume self-sufficiency.
Broader Weather Context
The flooding in Phang Nga occurs amidst a period of challenging weather conditions across Thailand. Reports from September 20 indicated heavy rainfall affecting 43 provinces nationwide, with specific severe impacts noted in areas such as Nan, where homes were submerged and roads became impassable.
Conclusion
The flooding in Takua Pa, Phang Nga, highlights the vulnerability of communities to severe weather events. The coordinated efforts of local and provincial authorities, alongside charitable organizations, are crucial in providing immediate relief and support to the approximately 1,000 households affected by the inundation. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of residents while addressing the immediate needs for food, water, and shelter.
