Anupong calls on provinces to assist storm victims

He said that as the Thailand Meteorological Department expected more storms to occur until May 13, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) informed provinces and its offices in risky areas to be prepared to deal with any disaster.
“Summer storms have affected people, damaged buildings and hit agricultural areas,” he said. “Therefore, we have instructed related authorities to help victims as soon as possible in order to relieve people’s suffering.”
Anupong said he emphasised to provinces that they should monitor the weather and disaster trends all the time, while mobilising officers and machinery to ease the situation.
“Provinces must also inform their residents to monitor weather forecasts and strictly follow warnings, such as checking houses and building conditions and avoid sheltering under trees, billboards or unstable buildings to prevent the risk of being crushed,” he said.
“Meanwhile, people must avoid being in open areas during a thunderstorm because they might get hit by lightning.”
Anupong added that people who suffered from the disaster can contact the DDPM via hotline 1784 anytime to ask authorities to provide timely assistance.