Flood policy must top election agenda

As Thailand heads towards a general election next year, political parties are drafting their electoral campaigns, most of which focus on bread-and-butter issues, the cost of living and the welfare of the public.

- Anucha Charoenpo

People ride a motorcycle past cars damaged by the flooding in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, in this photo taken on Nov 27, REUTERS

(REUTERS)

These issues are certainly relevant.

Yet, I hope to see parties also place strong emphasis on disaster-management policies.

The recent floods in Songkhla’s Hat Yai provide a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the urgent need for far better disaster-management plans and policies.

A huge number of local people and foreign tourists, mostly Malaysians, were affected, with many residents criticising the government's slow response, inefficient warning system and sluggish evacuation work.

In case we forget, Hat Yai mayor, Narongporn Na Phatthalung, initially assured communities the situation was under control and that heavy flooding would not occur.

Such misinformation and false signals made communities complacent and discouraged early evacuation.

That may explain why, when the waters rose quickly, many Hat Yai residents — despite being familiar with annual floods — panicked and felt clueless.

When the Songkhla governor issued an immediate evacuation order, many residents did not know where to go.

The government, however, denied criticism of its disaster response, insisting that warnings and evacuation orders had been issued in advance but that many residents refused to leave.

This is not the right time to assign blame or deflect responsibility.

Water levels in Hat Yai have already decreased and the situation is beginning to improve.

Efforts are underway to accelerate drainage and ease the impact so flood victims can return to their normal lives.