In a proactive move to safeguard Thailand against the impending El Nino weather phenomenon, the Thai Prime Minister has made a resounding call for the establishment of a dedicated committee. The committee’s paramount objective is to meticulously prepare for and effectively mitigate the potentially devastating impacts of El Nino on the nation.
Government Spokesperson Chai Wacharonke made the official announcement, shedding light on the committee’s pivotal role. At the forefront of its responsibilities lies the crucial task of evaluating the feasibility of declaring a state of emergency in various provinces across Thailand. Such a declaration would serve as a catalyst for swift and efficient response efforts.
Chai emphasized that the declaration of a state of emergency would empower local authorities, including tambon administrative organizations, provincial administrative organizations, and local municipalities, which possess substantial budget reserves. These empowered entities would be granted the authority to promptly allocate funds for critical projects aimed at tackling the imminent El Nino crisis.
The proposed initiatives encompass a range of localized solutions, such as the construction of weirs and underground water banks. These projects, when strategically implemented, are anticipated to play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects of the El Nino phenomenon.
During recent discussions within the Thai cabinet, participants arrived at a unanimous consensus regarding the gravity of the situation. It was collectively acknowledged that the global impact of El Nino is expected to endure for a substantial three-year period. In the absence of a comprehensive plan of action, Thailand faces a dire prospect. Preliminary estimates project potential damages ranging from a minimum of 600 billion baht to an alarming 2 trillion baht over the course of this three-year timeframe.
As Thailand gears up to confront the looming El Nino threat, the establishment of this special committee signifies a proactive stride towards protecting the nation’s interests and ensuring its resilience in the face of formidable climatic challenges.
