Supamas Launches “MHESRI Flood Operations Center” to Monitor and Assist Flood-Affected Communities
20/09/2024
On August 26, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESRI), announced the establishment of the “MHESRI Flood Operations Center” as a war room for monitoring water situations and providing aid to communities affected by floods. The initiative includes deploying a fleet of drones for surveying and delivering essential supplies to hard-to-reach areas, WiFi boats providing internet connectivity, modular homes, latex mattresses, and survival kits with ready-to-eat meals that require no heating. Additionally, real-time water situation updates will be disseminated through all available channels.
The press conference was attended by Mr. Permsuk Satchapivath, Permanent Secretary of MHESRI, Dr. Petchdao Toamina, Advisor to the Minister, Ms. Suchada Tantanasap, Secretary to the Minister, and other senior officials at the ministry’s headquarters on Rama VI Road, Bangkok.
Ms. Supamas stated that the MHESRI Flood Operations Center will be located on the 7th floor, Room 7B, at the King Mongkut Building, Office of the Permanent Secretary of MHESRI. The center will serve as a planning and coordination hub, linking various departments under the ministry to deploy knowledge, technology, innovation, and necessary items to assist those affected by the floods swiftly and effectively. This effort aims to support government missions in handling emergencies, mitigating impacts, and providing rapid relief to those in need. The center will work in conjunction with the National Disaster Warning Center and coordinate with universities in affected areas to establish provincial operations centers as temporary shelters, distribution points, and local coordination hubs in Chiang Rai (by Chiang Rai Rajabhat University), Phrae (by Maejo University Phrae Campus), Nan (by Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Nan), Phayao (by University of Phayao), Sukhothai (by Pibulsongkram Rajabhat University), Ranong (by Ranong Community College), Phuket (by Phuket Rajabhat University), Yala (by Yala Rajabhat University), Nakhon Si Thammarat (by Walailak University), and Songkhla (by Prince of Songkla University).
The minister added that MHESRI has been tasked with addressing the flood situation across three phases:
1. Post-Flood Rehabilitation: MHESRI will deploy mobile units to repair household appliances and agricultural equipment. Volunteer students from various universities will assist with home repairs, vehicle maintenance, and medical services to support both physical and mental recovery in affected communities.
2. Flood Monitoring: MHESRI uses real-time monitoring systems, early warning capabilities, and evacuation planning, supported by the National Hydroinformatics Data Center (NHC), which consolidates, integrates, and analyzes 435 water and climate data sets that impact water resources. The center also deploys mobile units to monitor local situations. It provides data on three key areas: real-time weather and water conditions (e.g., storm paths, satellite images, local rainfall data), flood risk forecasts, and survey data to plan and make decisions. Data can be accessed through the national water data website and the ThaiWater mobile application.
3. Assistance During Floods: Universities will serve as relief and shelter centers. MHESRI has mobilized over 30 drones, with support from the Regional Science Park, to deliver supplies to inaccessible areas. WiFi boats will provide internet access, and modular homes, latex mattresses, portable water filters, and survival kits with ready-to-eat meals and essential items will be distributed. Today, three large drones are being dispatched to Sukhothai for this purpose.
Ms. Supamas also highlighted the importance of the data management platform for reporting incidents, requesting assistance, and receiving donations. The ministry will support its staff and students in affected areas based on a current assessment. Ms. Suchada Tantanasap, Secretary to the Minister, and Prof. Dr. Supachai Pathumnakul, Deputy Permanent Secretary of MHESRI, have been assigned to work with the MHESRI Frontline Mechanism in Sukhothai, which is expected to be affected by floods.
“As Minister of MHESRI, I want to assure the public that we will deliver assistance directly to the people in need through various channels. We are the ‘MHESRI for the People,’ and this operations center is dedicated to delivering practical help to those affected,” stated Ms. Supamas.
