Affected flood victims think officials corrupt funds

 Flooding has recently affected over 700,000 people in the country.

The Abac Poll Research Centre surveyed 1,313 people in 19 flood-hit provinces from September 16 to September 22 to check flood victims' level of stress and the assistance they have received.

Of those polled, 54.7 per cent said they had suffered seriously from flooding.

"Meanwhile 51.4 per cent believe corruption has taken its tolls of flood victims. They complain that relief items do not effectively reach all people affected," Abac Poll Research Centre director Noppadon Kannika said yesterday.

According to the survey, the flood victims' stress level has reached 6.73 on a 10-point scale. "We also found that most flood victims have yet to receive adequate assistance," Noppadon added. Of the total respondents, 55.9 per cent said ongoing political conflicts hampered assistance that should have been delivered to them.

Flooding has been critical in many parts of the country. In the central province of Prachin Buri, more than 1,000 families have been living on roads because floodwater has swamped their houses.

The floodwater nearly reached the roof of many one-story houses. To travel around, locals have been using boats. Many flood victims have been shooting birds and catching fish to relieve their hunger.

Tambon Kabin Administrative Organisation is busy handing out relief packs and drinking water to more than 300 families, who often show up in boats.

Prachin Buri governor Pannee Kansuwan believes it will take nearly one month before the situation returns to normal.

In another central province, Angthong, Pa Moke District chief Somchai Anawatchakul yesterday issued warnings to locals to brace for flooding.

"With run-off water from upriver, serious flooding can be expected in Tambon Phong Pheng in early October," Somchai said.

In the lower central region, Nonthaburi is already feeling the pinch. As of yesterday, some farmlands on Koh Kret were flooded.

"Locals are now moving their belongings to higher ground," said Waraporn Keeman, a 35-year-old resident.