BANGKOK, 26 September 2024 – Nualphan Lamsam, or Madam Pang, UNICEF Thailand National Ambassador, joined a UNICEF mission on Wednesday to distribute critical relief supplies, including hygiene kits, baby essentials, and learning materials, to children and families severely affected by the recent flooding in Chiang Rai Province.
Since the floods hit Chiang Rai and other areas of northern Thailand, UNICEF has been collaborating with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to deliver emergency assistance to the most affected communities, including migrant and stateless children living in hard-to-reach villages. The supplies—including soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, clothes for both adults and infants, towels, blankets, mosquito repellent, coloring books, stationery sets, and toys—are aimed at protecting health and restoring a sense of normality to children and families.
“This is the most severe flood in 30 years in Chiang Rai,” said Madam Pang. “After visiting the area with UNICEF today, we met with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Chiang Rai, along with the village headman and community leaders, who have been key in bringing aid to the local people. It is undeniable that the severity and frequency of these disasters have increased due to climate change, which poses a significant threat to everyone and the children’s future. In Ruam Mit Karen Village, Mae Yao Sub-district, Mueang District, 200 houses have been devastated by landslides, mudslides, and flash floods.
Moreover, this situation has deeply affected the mental health of children, who are experiencing shock and fear, and it will take time to restore their well-being. This incident further reinforces my commitment to working with UNICEF to ensure that children receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives. With our partners, our focus is not only on delivering immediate relief today but also helping every child recover, thrive, and move toward a safer, more secure future.”
During the visit, Madam Pang met with the head of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Regional Centre Chiang Rai who highlighted the severe impact of this disaster, which struck rapidly and intensely. He emphasized that the recovery process will take a long time. In addition to damaging infrastructure, the flood has also devastated the livelihoods of community members, which is a critical area that needs to be restored.
Beyond immediate relief, UNICEF is planning to step up efforts to address the education and mental health needs of affected families. Many parents have reported feeling overwhelmed and anxious about the extensive damage to their property, unsure if they can afford the necessary repairs. In addition, the flooding has wiped out crops, leaving many without a means of livelihood. Children are also feeling the psychological toll, with some expressing fears of future floods, the dangers of walking to school amidst debris or snakes, and the threat of waterborne diseases.
Thailand is one of four countries in Southeast Asia severely affected by flooding and landslides triggered by Typhoon Yagi earlier this month. According to DDPM, the flooding and landslides have so far caused devastation in 36 provinces across Thailand, claiming at least 49 lives and destroying more than 170,000 homes. Over 72,000 children have been affected, with some schools completely destroyed.
UNICEF has launched an urgent flood relief appeal to provide emergency support to nearly 6 million children across Southeast Asia who are at risk of losing access to water, food, and essential services. In addition to delivering safe drinking water, hygiene and medical kits, learning materials, and mental health support to the flood-affected areas across the region, including in Thailand. UNICEF is working to ensure that children remain at the center of recovery efforts as the floodwaters receded. To make a donation, please visit www.unicef.or.th/flood-emergency
Children in East Asia and the Pacific are now facing climate-related disasters six times more frequently than their grandparents did. According to a 2021 UNICEF report, Thailand ranks 50th out of 163 countries where children are most at risk from the effects of climate change.
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