BANGKOK, Thailand – The health ministry has slammed all hospitals in flood-risk zones onto 72-hour emergency supply alert. Two provinces are now at the highest orange warning level.
Phayao in the north and Yasothon in the upper Isan region are the hotspots. No medical facility has shut down yet, and power, water and oxygen supplies are still running.
Two provinces on highest alert
Phayao and Yasothon have been placed under orange warning – the second-highest flood risk level. Officials are watching both provinces like hawks.
No medical facility has had to suspend operations yet.
said Dr. Somruek Juangsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, on August 1.
Ministry orders 72-hour supplies for all clinics
Every province must now guarantee emergency care without gaps. That means at least three days’ worth of medicines, blood bags, oxygen, fuel and drinking water stockpiled on site.
Hospitals also have to map out main and alternative routes for ambulances and patient transfers. In mountain areas, landslides and washed-out roads could suddenly cut off supply lines.
Vulnerable groups get special focus
The ministry is zeroing in on dialysis patients, bedridden patients, oxygen users and pregnant women as the most at-risk. Special teams for disease control, environmental health and psychological support are being assembled in the danger zones.
These teams are ready to roll the moment disaster strikes. No excuses.
North Thailand faces landslide risk
In the northern highlands, authorities are monitoring road stability around the clock. Dr. Somruek warns that emergency routes could face sudden delays or be completely severed.
In the eastern provinces of Chanthaburi and Trat, as well as Ranong on the Andaman coast, clinics on slopes and cross-district transport links are under special scrutiny.
New rain front expected from August 4
Until August 3, the ministry expects a temporary stabilisation or slight easing of flood conditions. But mountain soil remains waterlogged – and dangerous.
From August 4, fresh heavy downpours are forecast, especially in the upper northeast, the east and the southern west coast. Waves of two to three metres are predicted for the upper Andaman Sea.
No help requested from Bangkok yet
Despite the tension in two provinces, local health authorities have not asked for backup from the capital. They say they can still handle things on their own.
From August 3, surveillance will be ramped up across all risk areas. Medical teams will check emergency plans and the accessibility of dialysis patients, medication-dependent people and other vulnerable individuals around the clock.