Bangkok: Bangkok has received six directives from the Prime Minister as the city grapples with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that has left 79 people still unaccounted for under the rubble. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt emphasized the focus remains on finding survivors, stating, "I don't think of anything else except finding survivors."
According to Thai News Agency, the Bangkok Earthquake Command Center reported that out of the 96 individuals affected by the disaster, eight have been confirmed dead, eight have survived, and one has self-reported. Efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining 79 individuals, with radar detecting 30 people, while 49 still remain unlocated. The search operation is being conducted methodically, utilizing heavy equipment and search dogs to identify potential survivors, particularly in the lower floors of the affected building.
In response to the crisis, the Prime Minister issued a series of six orders to ensure a coordinated response. The first directive focuses on managing the affected area at Chatuchak, requiring cooperation from various agencies to facilitate smooth operations. The second order stresses the importance of providing accurate information, particularly to foreign nationals, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Public Relations Department tasked with disseminating information in multiple languages.
The third directive involves the inspection of large buildings, with Bangkok authorities granted the power to announce a disaster zone in Level 2 areas. This order mandates urgent inspections of tall and large buildings to ensure structural integrity. The fourth order pertains to reopening traffic on the Din Daeng Expressway, with a committee established to oversee the process, involving relevant agencies and the contractor responsible for the building where a crane fell.
The fifth directive addresses foreign assistance, noting the arrival of an X-ray machine from Israel and the coordination efforts by Bangkok to manage incoming international aid. Lastly, the sixth order involves an investigation into the cause of the building collapse, with the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning leading the inquiry.
Governor Chadchart highlighted the ongoing improvements in the situation, noting the deployment of volunteer engineers to inspect buildings for structural damage. As of now, 6,000 cases of building cracks have been reported, and inspections are underway to assess the severity of each case. The governor stressed the importance of building public confidence through factual and thorough inspections.
"We have to go!! Don't think about anything else. We have to think that there are survivors because their families are waiting for us," Governor Chadchart reiterated, emphasizing the urgency and dedication required in the search efforts.