A survey will be expedited to provide assistance and compensation to flood victims after the deluge in 34 provinces eases, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM).
Chatchai Phromlert, director-general of the DDPM, said the heavy rains since early last month caused flooding in 44 provinces, where 27 people lost their lives and 1.5 million people were affected.
As of yesterday, flooding has subsided in 34 provinces. Ten are still troubled by floods, namely Sakon Nakhon, Kalasin, Nakhon Phanom, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai and Ayutthaya.
The DDPM has coordinated with authorities in the provinces where flooding has subsided to conduct surveys and document the damage so the victims can receive aid in line with the Finance Ministry's regulations, Mr Chatchai said.
As for the provinces struggling with severe flooding, efforts will be made to divert the water out of the areas and help the victims, he said. Those who need assistance can call the hotline number 1784 around the clock, he said.
In Nakhon Phanom, the navy deployed 35 water-propelling boats in the Songkram River in tambon Si Songkhram municipality of Si Songkhram district in a bid to push the floodwater to the Mekong River faster.
Rear Admiral Vara Tankam, chief of the Mekong Riverine Unit headquarters, said if the water is pushed out quickly, the flooding from Sakon Nakhon to Nakhon Phanom would ease.
The situation will likely return to normal within seven days, he said.
Chief of the Phra Chulachomklao Naval Dockyard, Capt Piya Pathomboon, who is in charge of the operations, said 150 officers have been mobilised to push the water out.
The vessels are expected to push out 3.5 million cubic metres of water a day, he noted.
Phichit governor Weerasak Wijitsaengsri said the run-off from the Phetchabun and Wang Thong mountain ranges has triggered more flooding in the province.
Officials have been ordered to help farmers siphon water out of their rice paddy fields in order to harvest their crops, he said. More rain was expected today.