ID :
147157
Sat, 10/23/2010 - 20:12
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/147157
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PM will chair meeting of flood-related agencies to coordinate flood control measures
BANGKOK, Oct 23 - Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will ask flood- and relief-related agencies on Sunday to meet to find common measures for flood control in the central region, according to Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office Ongart Klampaiboon.
The agencies include the Departments of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Meteorological Department.
The premier is concerned about the flood situation in the central region, said Mr Ongart, as the water is flowing strongly from the north this week, as well as the monthly high tide flowing from the sea, and more rain is forecast in the central provinces, especially in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani.
The Meteorological Department has been asked to determine the volume of rainfall and inform the agencies on the matter.
Meanwhile, Mr Ongart said the Cabinet on Tuesday will consider more assistance to flood victims and simplify the compensation process, including exemptions and relaxed regulations to help the victims receive compensation quickly. Related agencies are to propose their solutions to the Cabinet.
"I affirmed that the simplified process will help us compensate those affected by floods quicker, be it for agricultural products, farm land or community areas. The government will do it according to the facts of what happened," said Mr Ongart.
Concerning a proposal of Bt5,000 payment by cheque for all flood victims, he said that the latest Cabinet meeting resolved that for the time being, the focus should be on urgent aid to those in need. However, the government is considering how to thoroughly help the affected people, which he said is an important matter.
Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit on Saturday appointed former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, his advisor, to chair the flood coordination centre to integrate overlapping agency duties to work in harmony.
The premier said he personally closely monitored the flood situation and would be ready to coordinate with agencies concerned to solve the problems.
He said the coming three to four days were the most worrisome as flood water was flowing to Bangkok while the rising tide is reaching its peak.
Mr Abhisit said he would inspect the dyke along the Chao Phraya River on Sunday
He said Mr Apirak would be assigned to improve the coordination among the agencies, not only in the public sector but also private sector and among private citizens.
Mr Apirak has prepared a work model for approval, he said, adding that on Sunday he would sign an appointment order to set up the working group which the former Bangkok governor would chair.
The centre would be located at Government House and no later than Monday it could begin operation with volunteers who will man it for the coordination and cooperation work, he said.
Mr Apirak said that the centre will be upgraded from the Government House Complaint Division to integrate information from agencies concerned and the public.
He said a press briefing would be held everyday to give information on the death toll, cost of damage, areas affected by flood and assistance, and other matters. (MCOT online news)
The agencies include the Departments of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Meteorological Department.
The premier is concerned about the flood situation in the central region, said Mr Ongart, as the water is flowing strongly from the north this week, as well as the monthly high tide flowing from the sea, and more rain is forecast in the central provinces, especially in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani.
The Meteorological Department has been asked to determine the volume of rainfall and inform the agencies on the matter.
Meanwhile, Mr Ongart said the Cabinet on Tuesday will consider more assistance to flood victims and simplify the compensation process, including exemptions and relaxed regulations to help the victims receive compensation quickly. Related agencies are to propose their solutions to the Cabinet.
"I affirmed that the simplified process will help us compensate those affected by floods quicker, be it for agricultural products, farm land or community areas. The government will do it according to the facts of what happened," said Mr Ongart.
Concerning a proposal of Bt5,000 payment by cheque for all flood victims, he said that the latest Cabinet meeting resolved that for the time being, the focus should be on urgent aid to those in need. However, the government is considering how to thoroughly help the affected people, which he said is an important matter.
Meanwhile, Mr Abhisit on Saturday appointed former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, his advisor, to chair the flood coordination centre to integrate overlapping agency duties to work in harmony.
The premier said he personally closely monitored the flood situation and would be ready to coordinate with agencies concerned to solve the problems.
He said the coming three to four days were the most worrisome as flood water was flowing to Bangkok while the rising tide is reaching its peak.
Mr Abhisit said he would inspect the dyke along the Chao Phraya River on Sunday
He said Mr Apirak would be assigned to improve the coordination among the agencies, not only in the public sector but also private sector and among private citizens.
Mr Apirak has prepared a work model for approval, he said, adding that on Sunday he would sign an appointment order to set up the working group which the former Bangkok governor would chair.
The centre would be located at Government House and no later than Monday it could begin operation with volunteers who will man it for the coordination and cooperation work, he said.
Mr Apirak said that the centre will be upgraded from the Government House Complaint Division to integrate information from agencies concerned and the public.
He said a press briefing would be held everyday to give information on the death toll, cost of damage, areas affected by flood and assistance, and other matters. (MCOT online news)
