Thailand Flooding-World Vision Emergency Response

World Vision Response Update:

• Distribution of over 10,000 survival kits, along with water filters, mosquito nets, diapers, toilet paper
• Child-Friendly Spaces have been set-up in 6 locations
• Total beneficiaries to date = 53,441 

 The death toll from Thailand's worst floods in decades jumped above 500 on 5 November as the seemingly unstoppable waters crept deeper into Bangkok, swamping main roads and threatening the city centre.
So far no deaths in Bangkok have been reported in the official toll. More than nine million people have been affected, which statistically implies more than a million children. 

Bangkok authorities believe that it will take about two weeks to drain water from all the swamped main roads in the city, and at least a month to drain inundated secondary streets. Despite some improvement in overall flood situation in many provinces, thousands of residents cannot return home yet, that is why our emergency phase will continue for at least the next four weeks.  

All assessments show that those who have sought shelter at evacuation centers, have been relatively well cared for. Regrettably, thousands chose to stay put – mainly because they are afraid of losing their possessions to looting. This situation makes relief – for government, relief agencies and others – unnecessarily difficult. This is often where the bulk of needs are based. Relief distribution is often done from house to house; usually by boat. Those families who have their own boats or rafts, travel to evacuation centres or other community meeting places to pick up relief kits or cooked meals. The needs at community centers are therefore also very big, and many agencies, private companies, volunteer and local government jointly run communal kitchens where stricken families come for regular meals.

 We thank you for your interest in supporting the people of Thailand.