Thai PM admits flood response failures as deaths rise
Thailand’s prime minister has outlined recovery and compensation plans for the southern part of the country, where severe flooding has killed at least 162 people.
More than 1.4 million households and 3.8 million people were affected by floods caused by heavy rains in 12 southern provinces, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said on Saturday.
Government spokesman Siripong Angkasakulkiat said at a press conference in Bangkok that 162 deaths were confirmed in eight provinces, especially Songkhla province, where at least 126 deaths were recorded.
The extent of the flood and the large number of casualties led to widespread criticism of the government.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told reporters on Saturday that the government acknowledged its shortcomings in flood management and apologized to the public “for the government’s failure to protect and protect them” when he visited the affected areas.
Anutin said the government will start distributing compensation payments to those affected by the flood next week.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Agency reported that water levels began to drop in all affected provinces on Saturday morning.
The video shows local residents returning to their previously flooded homes to survey the damage.
Furniture and personal belongings were seen scattered throughout the floors.
The flooding, which started last weekend, has caused serious disruption, stranding thousands of people, rendering streets impassable and submerging low-rise buildings and vehicles.
In Songkhla province, particularly in its largest city, Hat Yai, the death toll continued to rise as rescue teams gained access to previously flooded residential areas.
As rescue efforts progressed, more bodies were recovered.
Government spokesman Siripong said King Maha Vajiralongkorn will donate 100 million baht ($4.8 million) to the flood-hit Hat Yai Hospital and that the king will provide royal support for the funerals of all flood victims.
