South put on evacuation alert
The Interior Ministry has instructed governors of the southern provinces to prepare evacuation plans as the region is being battered by torrential rain. Interior permanent secretary Grisada Boonrach said on January 2 the ministry has ordered the plans be devised as the Thai Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rain will likely continue over much of the South for around 10 more days. Local public venues including city halls, schools and mosques will be turned into flood shelters for residents while local administrative authorities will work with the Provincial Electricity Authority to prevent electrocutions and drinking water shortages in communities. Mr Grisada stressed the distribution of flood-relief bags must be conducted in accordance with state regulations to avoid complaints from residents. Evacuation centres will be set up when needed. Local authorities can also seek additional money from the government to provide assistance for flood-affected residents if their existing funds are not sufficient, he added.
