No forethought in mitigating effects of extreme weather

The recent floods serve as another warning that Thailand should be better prepared for natural disasters. The heavy deluges that swept across the country over the weekend caught many off guard, especially the relevant government agencies, which seemed to be unprepared to deal with the sudden natural disaster, which has had a severe impact on tens of thousands of people.

The heavy rain that affected the country over the weekend has caused severe flooding in many areas and led to massive evacuations in a number of provinces. The heavy downpours in Pattaya province caused waist-high flooding. The resort of Pattaya itself was also affected by heavy rain. Massive evacuations were also ordered in Krabi and neighbouring provinces in the South.

So far, the flood-related death toll has risen to more than 80, and the figure is rising. Sudden mudslides have added to the problems and caused additional anguish to the victims. A young lady in Uttaradit province said on TV that she was considering suicide after she saw her mother and her hard-earned, newly built house swept away by a huge mudslide. Another victim who lived nearby said that she was traumatised and decided to move away because she was too scared to return to her old neighbourhood.

The latest floods have already adversely affected 16 provinces. It is expected that heavy rain and the likelihood of flash flooding could affect 32 provinces by the end of this week.

Thousands of people have been affected, especially those in the farming sector. More than 3 million rai of farmland has been inundated, leaving many farmers to contemplate their rice fields remaining under water for perhaps weeks.

So far, the relief effort has been reactive only, as the government agencies are dealing first with urgent issues. Volunteers and community services are contributing to the relief effort, which includes helping those who are trapped by floodwaters or searching for those who are missing.

While officials and volunteers should be commended for their efforts in helping the victims, the government must lay down a long-term plan to cope with such natural disasters in the future.

Thailand, like many other countries, has seen an increase in the number of natural disasters over the past few years. Yet, we are still not readily prepared for them. The warning systems are not effective. People are not sufficiently informed of the likelihood of disaster. Some countries have installed warning sirens to urge people in disaster-prone areas to find shelter or safety during storms or other severe weather conditions. TV and radio stations suspend their normal programmes and broadcast weather updates regularly. Effective warning systems can help save lives. For example, it was not certain why the tourist who died while cycling near Eto Natural Park was not informed of the possibility of mudslides.

In addition, victims need to undergo proper therapy to help them cope with the effects of shock and trauma. Psychiatrists say, for instance, that when floodwaters recede, the victims should be able to go back to the affected areas and move on mentally.

The collapse of buildings in flooded areas also shows that architects and engineers need to be aware of the vulnerability of the soil in many places in this country. The foundations of buildings and houses must be able to withstand flooding and mudslides.

In the meanwhile, the government should plan irrigation or levee systems to prevent future flooding. After all, the people who are usually most affected by floods are often the farmers, the backbone of this country.