“Supamas” Announces Readiness of MHESRI to Tackle Floods, Ensuring Maximum Safety for Lives and Property
20/09/2024
On August 6, 2024, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESRI), visited the Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII) to oversee their flood preparedness and monitoring efforts. Accompanied by Dr. Royboon Rassamethes, Director of HII, Ms. Supamas observed the Mobile War Room, automatic telemetry technology for weather and water level monitoring, and high-performance computing systems that support the National Hydroinformatics Data Center and water situation forecasting.
Ms. Supamas stated that since mid-July, heavy rains have led to flooding in many areas, with more expected until October. To address this, MHESRI has outlined six key directives:
1. HII as the Primary Water Situation Monitoring and Warning Agency: HII will act as the central body for water data, gathering information from 52 agencies across 12 ministries. HII will utilize its advanced systems to analyze and disseminate water situation updates and coordinate with local agencies to effectively manage floods.
2. Establishing Regional Water Management Centers: HII will collaborate with the National Water Resources Office (ONWR) and local agencies to set up regional water management centers in flood-prone areas. Equipped with advanced tools, including the Mobile War Room, automated weather and water telemetry stations, satellite imagery, and GIS technology, these centers will monitor and forecast water situations around the clock, supported by the ThaiWater application for public updates.
3. Integration with Pupanvit-MHESRI Operations Center: The “MHESRI Rapid Response Unit” will work alongside local authorities and communities, providing flood preparedness training, situation alerts, and planning advice to mitigate flood impacts. This unit will coordinate with other government agencies, local administrations, and civil society to ensure an integrated flood response.
4. “MHESRI Water Alert Model” Initiative: Universities will receive real-time water situation data from HII and serve as conduits to disseminate this information to the public. This initiative encourages university students and staff to participate in monitoring and providing knowledge and assistance to nearby communities.
5. Academic Support for Flood Planning: Universities will offer expertise to provincial authorities for flood response planning and establish emergency coordination centers on campuses, which will serve as temporary shelters and logistics hubs during crises.
6. Full Support from All MHESRI Agencies: All MHESRI-related agencies are tasked with providing comprehensive support to ensure public confidence and safety in all situations.
“MHESRI is fully committed to providing accurate and timely information to the public, preparing for potential floods, and adapting operational plans as situations evolve, ensuring the utmost safety for all citizens,” stated Ms. Supamas.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of community involvement in monitoring and reporting local water conditions and encouraged citizens to download and use the ThaiWater application, developed by HII, for convenient and quick access to water situation updates and forecasts.
