InfoQuest (March 28, 2019) -- Chayaphol Thitisak, director-general of Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), noted that from March 23 to 28, 11 provinces, including Buri Ram, Krabi, Phichit, Sisaket, Sa Kaeo, Phetchabun, Nong Bua Lamphu, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Nan and Nong Khai, were battered by storms. The affected areas cover 22 districts, 35 sub-districts, and 85 villages, and 431 households were hit.
According to Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), outbreaks of thunderstorms and gusty winds will be likely in the upper country. Hail is possible to appear in the Northeast, the Central and the North regions. DDPM and relevant disaster prevention and mitigation centers in provinces which are likely to be affected will take measures to tackle with summer storms. They assign staffs to monitor disasters for 24 hours to promptly send warnings to the public. They also deploy equipment which can be moved easily and specialized rescue equipment for disasters, helping deal with emergency and rescue people promptly when disaster strikes. In addition, they called on people to pay close attention to weather forecasts and warnings, preparing for the disaster and being careful to avoid risks. Farmers are advised to prepare fixed supports or support frames for trees to protect crops from damage.
Meanwhile, DDPM coordinated five provinces in the North, accelerating the relief work for people. According to Pollution Control Department, at 05.00, PM2.5 and PM10 in 24 hours will be higher than 50μg/m3, and AQI is higher than the standard 100. In Chiang Rai (Wiang Sub District, Wiang Phang Kham Sub District), Chiang Mai (Chang Phueak Sub District, Si Phum Sub District, Suthep Sub District, Chang Khoeng Sub District), Lamphun (Ban Klang Sub District), Mae Hong Son (Chong Kham Sub District) and Nan (Huai Kon Sub District), PM2.5 is between 51 and 189 μg/m3, PM10 is between 72 and 218μg/m3, and AQI is between 103 and 299, which is bad for human health.
DDPM has called on all departments to take measures to prevent forest fires and address smoke issue. They issue regulations on villages and sub-districts, keeping the areas in order based on disaster risks and set time period during which no burning is permitted. They also organize staffs to prepare firefighting materials and equipment and public machinery and to mitigate the impact of smoke. Beyond that, they enforce laws to ban people from burning in forests, fields, and areas in villages and sub-districts and along the roads which are vulnerable to fires and smokes.
People living in smoke areas should avoid long-time outdoor activities,because people will get sick when inhaling too much dust. Every time when going out, people need cover their mouth and nose with handkerchief or musk to prevent them from breathing too much dust. Drivers should drive more carefully for low visibility will increase the risks of traffic accidents.
Source: InfoQuest, by Tanawat Suayaem / Kasamaporn, translated by Xinhua Silk Road
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