The first batch of flood-relief supplies donated by the ROC is scheduled to arrive in Thailand this week, Taiwan’s representative office in Bangkok said Nov. 14.
According to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand, the aid is part of the ROC government’s humanitarian aid program, initiated by President Ma Ying-jeou to help victims in Thailand, which has been devastated by the country’s worst flooding since 1942.
The program will provide Thailand with supplies for disaster relief, following by donations and loan packages for post-disaster reconstruction, the office said.
“The launch of this systematic relief aid program is in accordance with the ROC government’s promise to be a provider of humanitarian aid, helping our friend Thailand, and showing our concern for Taiwanese expatriates,” it added.
The relief supplies, including food, surgical masks, bleaching agents, water purification tablets and first-aid kits, will arrive in Thailand Nov. 17, TECO said, adding that the ROC government will send experts to flood-affected areas to help with disinfection and cleanup tasks.
Since late July, over four-fifths of Thailand has been inundated, including the capital city Bangkok. According to Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, the floods have left over 500 people dead and 3.2 million displaced, with economic losses estimated at more than US$20 billion. (THN)
Write to Rachel Chan at rachelchan@mail.gio.gov.tw