CHIANG RAI, 4 January 2013 (NNT) - Chiang Rai and other northern provinces continue to be hit by a cold snap while the provincial authority has requested a financial aid of over 20 million baht.

The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in Chiang Rai is seeking an additional fund to provide relief for disaster-struck villagers as the initial budget of 1 million baht proved insufficient in light of increasingly low temperature in the area.

Typhoon Bopha hits Philippines banana harvest hard

About one quarter of the banana crop in the Philippines, a major food export for that country, has been destroyed by Typhoon Bopha, according to early damage assessments. Furthermore, banana growers fear the storm may have served to spread “Panama Disease,” which has been described by some researchers as “one of the most destructive plant diseases in modern times.”

BANGKOK, 18 January 2012 (NNT) – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has announced that more than 30 provinces in the country's upper part are now declared cold disaster zones.

Mr. Viboon Sanguanpong, Director General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said that as many as 33 provinces have been suffering severe cold spell that forced the Department to declare them disaster zones.

In brief

This annual report focuses on the work of the Asia Pacific zone office in 2010 to provide leadership and guidance to IFRC efforts to increase the impact of Asia Pacific national societies’ humanitarian activities. Many societies across the zone have maintained a high level of programming in several new disaster response operations and continued comprehensive post-disaster recovery activities, while others have started reviewing their development activities in line with IFRC’s newly adopted Strategy 2020.

In brief

This programme update focuses on the work of the Asia Pacific zone office in the first six months of 2010 to provide leadership and guidance to the International Federation efforts to increase the impact of Asia Pacific national societies' humanitarian activities. Many societies across the zone have maintained a high level of programming in several new disaster response operations and continued comprehensive post-disaster recovery activities, while others have started

As tens of thousands of internally displaced people return to their home in the north of Sri Lanka, FAO, with other UN agencies has issued an appeal for emergency financial assistance to help restore their predominantly agriculture and livestockdependent livelihoods shattered by nearly three decades of armed conflict. Nearly 130 000 Sri Lankans had returned to the region by the end of 2009 and many more were expected to follow them soon. The US$23.6 million appeal aims to support

Northeastern Roi Et province governor Mr. Pongsiri Kusump disclosed today (February 2) that the province's current weather has been cold and dried along with a little amount of rain which may result in drought problem.

To prepare for potential drought problem in the province, Rio Et officials have set up a centre to solve drought hazard in 2009. People affected by the drought could call 0-4351-3097.

Tak Governor, Mr. Khomsan Ekkachai announced today (January 22) that, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn has been concerned over Tak residents who have been suffering from extreme cold weather conditions. In response, Deputy Private Secretary and groups had decided to distribute 400 blankets that were graciously granted by HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to the affected residents at Ban Um

Tak governor Mr. Komsan Ekchai disclosed today (January 21) that six districts in the province has contracted both cold and drought hazard. Primarily, provincial officials have set up a centre to help troubled residents by distributing blankets and consumer goods and water.

He also said he had ordered local officials to inspect water source and map out a plan to handle drought hazard in the province expected to be in crisis in March or April.