Phattharaphong visited Nan Province to monitor the flooding situation, ordering the Department of Highways and Department of Rural Roads to urgently repair damaged roads and bridges, while instructing Nan Nakhon Airport to prepare fully for flood response.
Mr. Phattharaphong Phattharasit, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited flood-affected areas in Nan Province to assess the situation and meet with victims, while overseeing safety and travel facilitation efforts by affiliated agencies. Accompanying him were Mr. Kiatchai Chairuangyos, Inspector General of the Ministry of Transport; Ms. Wilaiwan Budasa, Deputy Governor of Nan Province; directors of Nan Rural Highway Districts 1 and 2; representatives from the Department of Rural Roads; and related agencies.
Mr. Phattharaphong said that due to continuous heavy rains in Nan Province causing flash floods and flash floods, he has instructed agencies under the Ministry of Transport to closely monitor the situation. Priority is given to routes affected by flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. Today, he inspected affected routes 1168, 1169, and 1081 before traveling to flood-hit areas on route 1371 near the heavily damaged bridge at km 0+600. He met with victims to discuss their problems and distributed survival bags to alleviate initial impacts at Sila Laeng Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Pua District, Nan Province. He also ordered related agencies to prepare staff and equipment to assist in cleaning homes once floodwaters recede, so residents can return to normal life quickly.
He then traveled to flood-affected areas on route 101 at km 429+800 to monitor the situation, assess damage, and review recovery efforts after water levels dropped. He instructed the Departments of Highways and Rural Roads to expedite damage surveys of roads, bridges, and related structures. They were directed to prepare machinery and equipment to promptly repair affected areas to alleviate public hardship. For severely damaged areas requiring budget and project implementation, recovery plans must be developed accordingly. He also ordered inspections of roads, bridges, drainage systems, and safety features to ensure readiness before reopening. Clearing obstacles and repairing damaged spots should be prioritized, especially in heavily affected areas where residents face the greatest difficulties. Local agencies must mobilize staff, machinery, materials, warning signs, and safety equipment to manage travel routes and evacuate residents to safe zones arranged by the government. Warning signs should be installed in affected areas to facilitate and ensure public safety.
Additionally, he held a meeting on flood preparedness at Nan Nakhon Airport, reviewing measures to prevent and mitigate impacts on the airport area, utilities, and passenger services. He instructed the Department of Airports to take the following actions:
Monitor water levels. Assign staff to measure water levels inside and outside the airport to avoid disruption of flight operations.
Manage drainage systems. Dredge canals and remove aquatic plants to prevent blockages.
Emergency backup systems. Prepare backup generators, alternative water sources, and firefighting rescue vehicles to operate 24/7.
Mr. Phattharaphong said in conclusion, the Ministry of Transport will continuously monitor the flooding situation in Nan Province and nearby areas. The priority now is rapid assistance to affected residents. All agencies must mobilize all available resources to address immediate repairs and prepare plans for the ongoing situation. Coordination with relevant agencies is essential to resolve problems and restore affected infrastructure so transportation routes can resume normal use quickly. This will alleviate public hardship and ensure safe, convenient, and efficient travel for the people.
Read more news " Government Policy " here