Thailand: A model for effective flood disaster response

Natural disasters, especially floods, are happening more frequently around the world. After the historic flood in 2011, many localities in Thailand are looking for effective and systematic ways to prevent or mitigate natural disasters and floods.

Disaster coping model at Nong Bua.

The town of Nong Bua in Kanchanaburi province is an area frequently subject to flooding after heavy rains during the rainy season. This town is 8.5 km ² wide, located along the Khwae Yai River Delta and consists of four villages. Residents here mostly work in agriculture such as growing rice, vegetables, fruit trees, sugar cane and tobacco.

In response to the flood problem, Nong Bua has set up an action plan to tackle difficulties and evacuate people from dangerous areas in an emergency. This is considered one of the most effective community management models in Thailand.

Under this plan, people will be warned and instructed quickly to evacuate to protect people and property in case of flooding. When Kanchanaburi warned of disaster, President Nong Bua will disseminate the information through loudspeakers in the villages.

This information is also available to local government agencies, schools, hotels and public facilities by mobile phone.

In addition, the locality also established a mobile unit to go to places likely to disaster and warn people. This unit is also responsible for evacuating people from the disaster area to a safe place.

A temporary relief center will also be set up in a military unit to receive people to evacuate, provide food, water and medical services.

The financial resources to implement these activities will be made by local government agencies and socialization sources at the same level.

Currently, Nong Bua still conducts rehearsals once a month to reinforce the effectiveness of the preparation plan for the actual situation.

In addition, this activity is also intended to inform tourists about Nong Bua's preparation so that they do not panic when the disaster happens.

Evacuation activities are also held regularly. In the event of a disaster, the people here are prepared to act.

Nong Bua's action plan has also been introduced to other localities so they can be adapted to their local situation in case of a flood disaster.