Medical teams on alert in Isaan as Ketsana heads here

Villagers in Phichit's Dongcharoen district evacuate their belongings and animals yesterday as the district is hit by flash floods.

The weather bureau warned yesterday that while the typhoon is expected to weaken as it crosses Vietnam and Laos, it could bring flash floods to many parts of Thailand.

Provinces on alert for Ketsana are Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong and Phang Nga.

"People in areas at risk along foothills, near waterways and in lowland areas should watch out for possible sudden flooding," the Meteorological Department said.

Faced with the threat of imminent floods, Dr Chatri Charoencheevakul, secretary general of the Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand, said more than 100 medical teams were now ready to deal with possible emergencies, especially in 14 provinces in the lower Northeast.

"The provincial governors will give orders about related assistance," he said.

Director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation, Dr Vithit Attavijjakul, said the GPO could immediately send medical supplies to areas hit by floods, if requested.

"Relevant authorities are doing their best in a bid to prevent floods and also to help flood victims," Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul said.

He said that each provincial government had up to Bt50 million in emergency funds, which would be reimbursed, if necessary.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office 7, which oversees Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan, set up many rescue teams yesterday.

"They are on standby around the clock," the office's acting director Veerasak Vichiensaen said.

Amnat Charoen Governor Boonsanong Boonmee said he was now concerned about the situation in Hua Taphan and Chanuman districts.

"They are face serious flood risks," he said.

Second Army Region chief Lt General Viboonsak Neeparn said he had troops and supplies ready for relief operations.

"We have trucks, flatbottomed boats and relief items," he said.