UN aids flood relief efforts in northern Thailand

Following severe flash floods and landslides in Thailand that have affected more than 340,000 people, completely destroyed 700 houses and damaged more than 1,000 roads and bridges, the United Nations Office has released emergency cash grants of over $100,000 for the purchase of relief supplies and materials for temporary shelter.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said today it had given $51,000 for immediate relief efforts in the five affected northern provinces, where agricultural lands in more than 100 villages remain under water, although the situation has improved.

The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has released a further $50,000 to support the Government’s relief efforts.

Initial Government surveys estimated damage of more than $8 million, which does not include that to the affected population’s properties and personal belongings. The Government has allocated some $63 million to the Flood Relief Fund for the five affected provinces.

In addition to its cash grant, the UNDP will work with the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to facilitate construction of permanent housing for those affected by the flooding.