Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawattra described the ravaging floods that have inundated the country for more than two months, as the worst in decades in a televised address on Friday (October 7). Thus far, the floods have killed 252 people and affected more than 2.6 million residents in 28 provinces according to the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department. Just a month ago, the death toll was barely more than 100, indicating how the flood has worsened recently.
COMMENT: Concerns over public health are growing despite government efforts to send medical supplies to flooded regions, where hospitals are overwhelmed with large groups of homeless evacuees suffering from poor hygienic conditions and polluted water.
In her televised address, the Prime Minister also warned that the flooding is threatening the capital city of Bangkok. Flood water is flowing into the city and the government is bracing for yet another surge of incoming water.
Yingluck said the government has mobilized all available watercraft to assist victims, and is seeking help from the private sector. This is her second speech on the flood in two days.
Inbound travelers from abroad are urged to consider deferring optional travel until such time as the crisis is alleviated.
