On December 6, Narathiwat Governor Lt. Trakul Thotham visited Pi Leng Temple in Mueang Rueso District to support flood victims. He distributed drinking water and survival kits provided by PTT Exploration and Production Public Company Limited (PTTEP) to 220 affected residents.
Current Situation in Affected Areas
Floodwaters have started receding in Ban Pi Leng, Rueso Subdistrict, Cho Ai Rong District, allowing roads to become passable again. However, some homes remain waterlogged. Across the district, flooding has affected three subdistricts, 33 villages, and 3,325 households, with 11,616 residents impacted as of December 4, 2024.
Residents Share Struggles
Ban Pi Leng (Moo 6)
Nipa Noeiat, a resident, described the flooding this year as worse than last year, rendering her home uninhabitable. She lost all belongings, including essential items like clothing, and now relies on temporary shelter. Despite severe damage in 2023, no households in her village received government compensation. She expressed hope for this year’s promised 9,000 THB flood relief, which she intends to use for basic recovery needs.
Ban Pi Leng (Moo 10)
Sunanta Promjeen, another resident, reported that her two-story house was submerged to the roof. Like many others in her community, she has faced annual flooding without receiving any financial aid. Despite registering for assistance with local authorities last year, no follow-up occurred. This year, she hopes to use the relief funds to replace damaged household items and support her livelihood. She noted that floodwaters had persisted from November 27 until December 5, delaying her ability to clean and return to normalcy.
Broader Implications
The experiences of residents underscore the urgent need for efficient and equitable distribution of flood relief. Over 79 households in Moo 6 and more than 100 in Moo 10 have yet to receive any compensation, leaving them reliant on local and personal resources for recovery.