Thailand: After floods South still on high alert

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More than a million people in the south of Thailand are still on high alert following the devastating unseasonal flooding that has already killed at least 45 people in the eight affected provinces. Damaged roads left thousands of residents cut off from rescue teams for almost a week. Some airports have been closed and in the worst affected provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani, hospitals had to be evacuated when floodwaters swept through wards. World Vision Foundation of Thailand (WVFT) responded within the first few days with distribution of thousands of emergency relief packs, and in collaboration with local authorities and support of volunteers, set up communal kitchens in the worst affected regions. Ms Chitra Thumborisuth, National Director said: ?The flood and resulting devastation is far worse than the flash floods that hit the same region last November. Thousands of families left destitute by the last floods had only just started to pick up the pieces of their lives. So we are deeply concerned about the potential physical and emotional impact of this latest flooding.? In many areas, water levels reached three metres. Apart from damage to houses, many people also suffered the loss of livelihoods. WVFT is continuing its extensive response to ensure the well-being of children and their families. Six of World Vision?s project sites have been impacted. While no casualties have been reported, children were nonetheless affected in one way or another. ?We will be continuing our emergency relief effort for at least another few days, and in coordination with local government continue to fill the gaps and fulfil the needs of desperate children and families,? Ms Thumborisuth said. WVFT is appealing for USD 700,000 for a planned 45-day response effort targeting 20,000 families. Spokespeople: Ms Chitra Thumborisuth, National Director, Tel: +66 (0)81-483-4513 Brooks Dodge, Disaster Management coordinator, Tel: +66 (0)81-885-8835 Renate Janse van Vuuren, Communications Manager, Tel: +66 (0)82-388-9908