UN supports Thailand's flood crisis management

                          
 ESCAP is now working with the regional satellite-based disaster information monitoring network Sentinel Asia, the International Charter Space and Major Disasters – supported by a dozen major world space agencies and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).
 The international support is helping GISTDA access satellite data more frequently, including from commercial satellites, for monitoring the socio-economic damage caused by the floods.
 According to the statement by the UN ESCAP Strategic Communications and Advocacy Section, the initiative is in response to the Thai government's request. It supplements ESCAP's collaboration with the International Centre for Water Hazard and Risk Management (ICHARM) in Japan in providing assistance for better flood risk management in Asia and the Pacific. A joint ESCAP-ICHARM expert team is to conduct a field survey in Thailand next month.  ESCAP also initiated collaboration for regular access to satellite data and long-term capacity development for disaster risk management in the country.
 This week, ESCAP's executive secretary Noeleen Heyzer visited the Flood Relief Operations Centre at the Don Mueang Airport. Then, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra made the request for satellite data support.
 
Expressing support for the response of Thai authorities to the flood, Dr. Heyzer reiterated the firm commitment of the UN to supporting the country’s ongoing flood relief and rehabilitation efforts, followed up by resilient recovery from this unprecedented disaster.
 
The United Nations Asia-Pacific chief emphasized that ESCAP and the nearly 30 United Nations agencies and entities based in Bangkok were ready to support Government efforts to formulate a long-term response to the crisis, beyond the present emergency situation.