Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is set to preside over the inaugural meeting of the National Disaster Management and Relief Committee (NDMRC) on Monday, as floods continue to threaten many parts of the country.
The committee, which was formed last Tuesday, along with the National Disaster Relief Operations Centre (NDROC), has the job of coordinating, supervising, and integrating disaster relief efforts nationwide.
The move followed Mr Anutin’s visit to flood-hit Bang Ban district in Ayutthaya on Sept 27, where he observed recurring flood problems and inadequate relief efforts.
Following the visit, he ordered the creation of a central mechanism to deliver more effective assistance to citizens affected by floods.
The NDMRC, chaired by Mr Anutin himself, will oversee all phases of disaster management from preparedness, prevention to emergency response and post-crisis rehabilitation.
It also has the authority to direct government agencies, state enterprises, and other organisations in disaster relief operations, and appoint special working groups or experts as needed.
Meanwhile, the NDROC, led by Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum, will serve as the main command and coordination centre for relief operations, covering evacuations, safety measures, essential supplies, and temporary shelters.
The DDPM on Sunday issued a warning about flash floods in several central and northeastern provinces, including Phitsanulok, Ubon Ratchathani, and Ayutthaya, as well as coastal flooding from high tides in 23 coastal provinces, including Bangkok.
The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), meanwhile, said Typhoon Matmo was gaining strength over the upper South China Sea. The typhoon was expected to make landfall in China’s Guangdong province on Sunday.
While the storm will not enter Thailand, it is strengthening the southwest monsoon, bringing heavier rain and flash flood risks to the North, Northeast, East and South until Tuesday.
Residents in at-risk areas are urged to be on alert for floods.