The cabinet has approved THB261 million in disaster relief funds to help northern Thailand recover from a tropical storm double-whammy last week.
Following powerful storms that left large areas flooded, forced people from their homes and killed at least half a dozen; the funding was added to a government budget update yesterday and will be directed toward 78 infrastructure projects.
The chief executive of the government agency that deals with the kingdom’s water resources announced the news after Tuesday’s cabinet meeting. Somkiat Prachamwong said the projects would increase water storage by building retention areas and dredging canals.
The 12 provinces most affected by flooding are Kamphaeng Phet, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Sawan, Pha Yao, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Petchabun, Phrae, Lampang, Sukhothai and Uttaradit. Somkiat estimated that some 34,3000 households would benefit from the project and that 2,772 hectares (17,328 rai) of land would be protected from flooding.
The government hopes to begin the project in the next month. The Royal Irrigation Department and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has been ordered to get the plans off the ground as well as to oversee the project for the first two months.
Related:
Thailand braces for 2nd tropical storm punch
Podul leaves at least 6 Thais dead in its wake (Photos)
‘Worst tropical storm in 40 years’ submerges Thai northeast (Photos)
Brace yourselves Thailand, tropical storm ‘Podul’ is coming and it’s gonna rain (Maps)
Reader Interactions