Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Thailand

Thailand: Defense Min deploys rescue efforts in regions hard hit by Mindulle

BANGKOK, 26 August 2010 (NNT) -- The Defense Ministry is expediting rescue efforts to help the North and Northeastern provinces hard hit by flash floods.

According to Colonel Thanatip Sawangsaeng, spokesperson for the Defense Ministry, General Prawit Wongsuwan the Defense Minister has ordered 144 army personnel and 12 trucks to assist people in Prae, Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Lampoon provinces hardest hit by the floods, in the wake of tropical storm Mindulle's sweeping through the areas.

Mindulle has caused heavy damages in the North and Northeast of Thailand, flooding thousands of rai of farmland and inundating a number of homes along its path. The Thai government has already issued a warning of floods and landslides and has been on alert to evacuate residents residing in danger-prone areas.

Colonel Thanatip said that the troops, besides solving flood and drought problems, will also focus on forest conservation, which is one of the Queen's royally initiated projects.

Meanwhile, the Defense Ministry has also assigned two ships, helicopters, and 351 naval officers to join the international force combating the Somalian pirates, which have been active in the international water.

News ID: 255308260033

Reporter : Dolsinee Kritayapimonporn