* Any views expressed in this article are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
MORE than three million people are now thought to be caught up in flooding across Thailand after weeks of heavy rain.
Provinces in the north-eastern, eastern and central parts of the country have suffered flash floods, leaving 36 dead.
Schools have been closed and villagers evacuated in one of the worst hit areas, Sisaket, in the east.
Aid workers for children’s charity Plan International are stockpiling relief kits and organized disaster risk reduction classes for children.
“Local authorities are leading the response with support from other governmental organisations and the private sector,” says Plan’s acting programme director in Thailand, Supol Singhapoom.
“They have distributed food and non-food items and have the necessary resources, including boats, to access flooded areas.”.
Some schools are closed and children have lost supplies and uniforms – prompting fears of disruption to exams.
Flood victims have been supplied with food and water by local authorities, military and other organisations.
“There’s still a strong need for drinking water food and medicine at present after the flood,” says Mr Singhapoom.
“If the rain remains heavy, it’ll take more than a month to get back to normal.”
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
