Hat Yai Launches "Hat Yai Model Plus" for Flood Preparedness

Hat Yai, the major city in Thailand's southern Songkhla province, has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening flood preparedness and response. Dubbed the "Hat Yai Model Plus," the program seeks to enhance the resilience of the local community and its sustainable development. The initiative is spearheaded by Prince of Songkla University (PSU) and has brought together a diverse network of 30 partners, including government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and local residents. The primary objective is to establish a comprehensive system capable of responding more effectively and swiftly to the increasing frequency of flood damage caused by extreme weather events in recent years. Hat Yai, a vital economic and transportation hub in southern Thailand, is geographically characterized by low-lying areas and proximity to rivers, making it historically prone to recurrent flooding. Monsoon seasons, in particular, have often resulted in severe damage, significantly impacting the lives and economic activities of its citizens. The "Hat Yai Model Plus" framework includes the utilization of advanced weather forecasting technologies, upgrading early warning systems, developing and practicing evacuation plans, improving infrastructure, and raising disaster awareness among the local population. It also encompasses the establishment of a rapid recovery support system in the event of a disaster, emphasizing a collaborative effort between the public and private sectors. Through the implementation of this model, Hat Yai aims to mitigate flood risks and bolster its resilience in the face of disasters. The initiative is expected to contribute not only to the safety of the community but also to the stability of its economic activities.