Thai floods may cost govt US$300m
The economic cost of southern Thailand's worst flooding in decades -- which is expected to impact the kingdom's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) -- could be more than US$300 million.
The floods have devastated more than 100,000 homes and livelihoods of Thais living in southern Thailand.
Palm oil and rubber plantations are still waterlogged and won't be viable for many more months.
The Thai Air Force and Marine Police crew members run daily relief missions to places like Phun Phin District in Surat Thani.
Floodwater has covered the village, turning it into a lake.
The affected villagers, many of whom grow oil palm, wade or row boats through floodwater to get government assistance of rice, water and personal items.
It will keep them going, but rebuilding will take much more.
Palm grower Boontham Dangkaew said: "I grow palm trees on a 15 rai plantation.
"They are now underwater and totally damaged. The palm fruits have completely rotted.
"I paid about US$650 for fertiliser, but now the palm trees are unusable".
Palm and coconut grower Theera Thipbanphot said: "I earned around US$200 per growing cycle. There are two cycles in one month.
"The (palm trees) have totally rotted. After previous floods, I used fertiliser and fruits regrew, but now they have gone bad".
As the Thai New Year or Songkran approaches, the government has promised to give each affected household around US$150 as initial compensation.
Assessing damaged farmland will happen later when the water has receded completely.
Meanwhile, flood victims realise they will need to fend for themselves.
Teacher Jeerawan Peepim said: "I heard the government will give US$150 to each flood affected household.
"It can help rehabilitate damage for a while but we need to depend on ourselves before the government gives us some help. We cannot wait for help".
Other aid measures may include cuts to interest payments, loans for farms and businesses, and tax cuts for donors who help flood victims.
-News courtesy of Channel Newsasia-
没有评论:
发表评论