Medical help on way to 'Ketsana's' sodden victims

Relevant officials have prepared boats to serve flood victims on Najaluai – Boontharik Road in Ubon Ratchathani. On some spots, the floodwater is nearly two metres deep./Sirirak Sornart

Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewparadai said 70,000 medical sets were dispatched to 15 flooded provinces for distribution to local mobile medical units giving preliminary help to flood affected people.

The 15 provinces include Ubon Ratchathani, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Si Sa Ket, Roi Et, Yasothon, Buri Ram, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Uttaradit, Lampang, Chiang Mai and Tak.

In addition, the ministry has stockpiled around one million sets of medical supplies for emergency distribution to the inundated areas.

Over 100 residents of Ubon Ratchathani are reported suffering from floodrelated diseases.

Provincial health offices have been instructed to send medical workers to treat victims as well as educate them on basic treatment for such diseases, said Mr Witthaya.

The ministry has launched floodrelated Hotline 1699 to help stranded victims contact medical emergency teams.

According to the Meteorological Department, tropical depression Ketsana has been downgraded to active low pressure cell status, covering the Northeast. It is expected to move slowly along a low pressure trough passing through Nakhon Ratchasima and Thailand's central regions.