Relief command centres set up to help flood victims in South

BANGKOK, Jan 7 (TNA) -- The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Forward Command Centres to assist flood victims in the South have been set up in two provinces and Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda has been appointed as commander who is responsible for providing urgent assistance to the victims, said a government spokesman. Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd told reporters that the command centres are established in Surat Thani and Songkhla provinces after the government has raised the flooding problem to the third level of disaster. Related government agencies including the military and the police as well as the community are urged to work together while the government is responsible for tackling every issue including evacuating people from flooded areas, setting up temporary shelter, providing necessities and offering advice to the victims, said Lt Gen Sansern. He said the Royal Thai Navy has dispatched 50 boats to help pushed flood water into the sea in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, he said. Doctors and the military are also working with neighbouring provinces not affected by flood in providing food and medical supplies to the flood victims, said Lt Gen Sansern. Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha has also expressed concerns and ordered responsible officials to solve immediate problems and to offer help to the victims in future, he added.(TNA)