Government places Nan flood response under 24-hour single command

Thailand has established a 24-hour single command centre in Nan to coordinate flood monitoring, warnings, evacuations and relief operations as heavy rain, flash floods and overflowing waterways continue to threaten low-lying areas.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn announced on Thursday (August 20) that authorities were closely monitoring water levels in the Nan River and vulnerable low-lying communities.

The round-the-clock command structure is intended to give agencies a shared operational picture and allow personnel, equipment and other resources to be deployed rapidly wherever risks increase.

On Wednesday (August 19), Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat, acting as incident commander, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit and Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth visited the N.1 water monitoring station in Muang district, Nan.

A single command centre was set up at the site to ensure agencies use shared information and coordinated instructions, allowing manpower and resources to be redirected immediately to areas facing heightened risks.

Authorities are placing particular emphasis on night-time operations, when travel, evacuation and relief work can become more difficult.

Satellite data and Cell Broadcast used for flood warnings

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has also stepped up preparations in Nan, Phayao and Lamphun.

Yodchanan instructed the ministry's forward operations teams and agencies under its supervision to prepare measures covering surveillance and risk assessment, public warnings, the deployment of personnel and equipment, evacuation shelters, assistance for vulnerable groups, damage surveys and post-flood recovery.

Flood-warning operations are to integrate data from upstream areas and neighbouring provinces to improve forecasts and provide timely alerts.

Warnings will also be distributed through the Cell Broadcast system and through provincial, district and local authorities, as well as subdistrict and village heads and community leaders, to ensure residents receive information and practical instructions quickly.

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) has been tasked with using satellite data to monitor flooding, analyse risk areas and provide information to agencies operating on the ground.

GISTDA will coordinate its data with the National Water Command Centre, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) and the Department of Water Resources.

Authorities are also promoting the use of GISTDA's Chek Nam flood-monitoring application to track conditions, identify risk areas and receive warnings.

Personnel, boats, water pumps and other equipment are being positioned in advance at vulnerable locations. KA-32 helicopters are also being prepared for evacuations and the transport of relief supplies to areas that are difficult to reach.

Temporary shelters are being readied with food, drinking water, healthcare services, field kitchens and essential supplies.

Vulnerable residents prioritised for evacuation

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security is coordinating its Nan provincial teams with local authorities and the DDPM to assist vulnerable residents, particularly children, older people, bedridden patients and people with disabilities.

Officials are preparing shelters and essential supplies for evacuees while updating information on vulnerable residents so the command centre can identify households requiring urgent assistance.

Priority will be given to people unable to evacuate without help, with continued care also planned for vulnerable residents once they reach shelters.

Pumps and machinery deployed to speed up drainage

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to mobilise machinery, equipment and water pumps to affected areas to accelerate drainage from communities and other flooded locations.

Water levels will be monitored continuously, with operations focused on limiting damage to residents and economic areas that remain at risk.

Agricultural agencies are also preparing to move livestock and essential supplies out of vulnerable areas while taking steps to reduce damage to crops and farmers' property.

Animal feed, medicines and other essential supplies are being prepared so assistance can be deployed quickly if conditions worsen.

Labour measures introduced for workers and businesses

The Ministry of Labour has asked employers to consider allowing employees who cannot travel to work because of flooding to take time off without it being counted against their leave entitlement.

Businesses and employers affected by flood damage can also apply for low-interest loans through the Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Fund.

Loans of up to THB2 million per applicant are available at an annual interest rate of 2%, with repayment periods of up to 5 years, to help repair and restore workplaces.

Schools prepared as shelters and relief centres

The Ministry of Education has instructed schools in affected areas to put the safety of students, teachers and education personnel first.

School administrators may temporarily suspend classes where necessary, while educational institutions are being prepared for use as evacuation shelters or public assistance centres if required.

The Office of the Vocational Education Commission is preparing vocational teams to enter affected communities once flooding subsides.

The teams will help inspect and repair flood-damaged homes, electrical appliances, vehicles and equipment used for people's livelihoods. Vocational education teams are also preparing mobile kitchens to provide food and drinking water during the recovery period.

Six ministries coordinate round-the-clock response

Patdarasm said the single command structure would allow authorities in Nan to monitor conditions and issue instructions around the clock while integrating information from different agencies.

The mobilisation of six ministries is intended to cover public safety, water management, vulnerable groups, agriculture, workers and businesses, as well as post-flood recovery.

“The government will monitor the situation around the clock, particularly water levels in the Nan River and low-lying areas. People in risk zones will be warned quickly and should follow official advice and evacuate to safe areas when instructed.”

“Personnel, equipment and recovery measures have also been prepared in advance so that, once conditions ease, authorities can immediately assess the damage, provide assistance and restore homes, livelihoods and people's daily lives as quickly as possible,” Patdarasm said.