NESDB informs the public that the northern railway line from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is now open for service, with over 95% of utilities back in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai after the situation improved, with the electricity, water, and transportation systems restored. Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, spokesman of the Forward Command Center, spoke about the progress of repairing transportation routes after the bus and train stations were affected by the floods in Chiang Mai. He said that the Center has ordered the Ministry of Transport to urgently restore the transportation system in the area to alleviate the suffering and to be able to transport aid to the area at full capacity. The latest report is that the highways in Mueang Chiang Mai and Saraphi districts have been restored and are now open for normal use. Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2 and 3 are also open for normal service. The northern train line from Bangkok to Chiang Mai is also open for service. Water distribution to the public after the flood in the North: The CPOC received a report from Mr. Pramote Chantha, Manager of the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA), Chiang Mai Branch (Special Class), Pa Tan Water Production Station, expediting water distribution to the public. Currently, more than 80 percent of the total water distribution capacity has been completed. The water distribution volume will be adjusted quickly because there is air in the pipes to prevent water pipes from bursting. The latest update is that 136,616 households have received water service, which is 97.97 percent of the total number of service recipients. In Chiang Rai Province, 337 water supply points, or 79.7 percent of the total 423 damaged points, have been repaired. It is expected that water will be distributed to all areas by this Monday. For people who need assistance, please contact the PWA Contact Center at 1662. Regarding the progress of providing electricity to houses affected by flooding in the northern region, Mr. Jirayu revealed that he had received a report from the Provincial Electri city Authority (PEA) Region 1, Northern Region, that they were working to fix the problem and continuously supply electricity to the people. In every district of Chiang Mai, officials have repaired the electrical system and transformers and have been able to supply electricity to 95 percent of the people's houses. The remaining areas are mostly in Saraphi District, which is still flooded. In Chiang Rai Province, 99.5 percent of the people's houses have been supplied with electricity. The remaining areas are in Mae Sai District, along the Sai River, which has been severely affected by flooding. It is expected that it will take some time to repair and restore. 'In Chiang Mai, the PEA is still waiting to restore electricity to about 3,000 out of 53,000 households, mostly in Saraphi District, where the electricity had to be cut off for the safety of officials and rescue workers while they are helping the victims. In Chiang Rai Province, there are no problems in Chiang Rai Municipality. About 300 out of 55,000 ho useholds in Mae Sai District are still being restored. Officials are restoring the power system, which may take some time after the severe flood damage.' Mr. Jirayu added that today (October 9), Ms. Thirat Rattanawanich, Deputy Minister of Interior as the Chairman of the Forward Command Center, and Gen. Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense as the Advisor to the Forward Command Center, provided financial assistance to flood victims under the 'Community Development Project: Unite to Help Flood Victims' in 7 districts of Chiang Rai at the Mae Sai District Office. In addition, money from the Rural Children Development Fund under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was provided to help families of flood victims in Mae Sai District, totaling 247 scholarships of 1,500 baht each, totaling 370,500 baht, as well as relief bags and cleaning supplies for houses to the victims. On the same day, Ms. Thirat Rattanawanich traveled to give encouragement to One Tambon One Produ ct and OTOP network entrepreneurs who were affected by the flood at Muang Daeng Community, Mae Sai District, to prepare to find a channel to sell products in order to generate income to restore the business. It may take time, but she is confident that all sectors are ready to support her. She asked for encouragement to continue living. Source: Thai News Agency
