Call for donations for flood victims
PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Office of Disaster Prevention Mitigation (ODPM) is calling for donations to help people who have been affected by the floods in northern and central Thailand.
ODPM Chief Aroon Kerdsom yesterday said that 19 provinces have experienced flooding so far this season, with Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Chai Nat and Chanthaburi the hardest hit.
In response, foundations, businesses and individuals on the island have donated money and a variety of goods, including rice, instant food, drinking water and clothing.
So far, a center set up by the ODPM has received 6,596 donated items and 43,950 baht in cash, K. Aroon said.
Wanchai Satayawuttipong, Chief of the Phuket Provincial Highways Office, said, “Anyone can donate money, rice, water, consumer goods, medical supplies and clothes. Instant food is the best because many places are without electricity and people [in flooded areas] are unable to cook.
“Please note that we do not accept used clothes or expired food,” he added.
K. Aroon reassured Phuket residents that rain in the province is nowhere near flood stages. “Even the heaviest rainfall has not come near the 90 millimeters it would take to flood substantial parts of the island,” he said.
On the night of 10 October, 60mm fell, but that was not enough to cause alarm. Meteorologists warned that small areas may flood due to poor drainage, but that large areas would not be threatened.
However, the recent downpours have boosted the water reserves in Bang Wad Dam to 6.3 million cubic meters, the highest amount recorded for the past five years.
Donations can be made in person at the ODPM office on Damrong Rd, Phuket City Tel: 076-218444).
Donations of money can be deposited directly into a bank account opened expressly to assist flood victims, at Krung Thai Bank, Thepkrasattri Rd branch. Account name: “Cash donations for flood victims of 2006”. Account number: 377-0-06306-6.
