Air Force Commander sends C-130 to carry supplies and personnel to help flood victims in Chiang Rai, reveals that the water volume is not as much as in 2011, but the buildings blocking the waterways have caused flooding impacts, and prepares a plan to deal with Don Mueang, confirms that this round of water drainage will not affect the public. Air Chief Marshal Panphakdi Pattanakul, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Air Force, gave an interview after chairing the sending of a C-130 aircraft carrying supplies and personnel, together with units under the Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters, to help flood victims in Chiang Rai Province, saying that the Air Force had held a meeting to prepare for helping the people of the North, starting the mission on August 22 by setting up a center at Squadron 416, Wing 41, Chiang Rai Province, which is in accordance with the Air Force's plan to help with natural disasters. As for whether the amount of water is the same as in 2011, Air Chief Marshal Panpakdee said that t here has been continuous analysis. At present, the water volume is less than in 2011, but we cannot be careless because we do not know how many more storms will come. Another factor that has not yet been taken into account is the buildings that may obstruct the watercourse. There is no information on how these conditions are different from 2011. Therefore, we cannot yet assess that even though the amount of water is less than in 2011, there will be less flooding, including the possibility of high, dangerous water levels in some areas. "The changes in the structures from 2011 are significant. Right now, we can only measure from the amount of rainfall that the water volume is less than in 2011. But what follows can be seen from Chiang Rai Province. The water is rising quickly and in large quantities. And now it should reach Mae Fah Luang Airport, near Squadron 416. But the airport is still usable. We have sent air forces to provide additional assistance. However, we have to take care of our own location. I thi nk helicopters would be most useful in providing direct assistance. We have sent aircraft to take aerial photographs and send data to the ground in real time to help the people in a timely manner," said the Air Force Commander and emphasized that For the personnel who went down to help the people, we emphasized the safety of the workers and that helping the people always comes with risks. In the past, Squadron 416 sent personnel to help for two weeks. They must have been tired, so personnel were sent to replace them so that the personnel on duty could come out and rest. I am concerned about the health of the personnel, but the mission must be accomplished. When asked about the flood training in Don Mueang area, ACM Panpakdee said that he had ordered the Air Force's subordinate units to make a flood prevention plan, including Don Mueang. Based on the experience in 2011, it was determined that there should be a meeting and hypothetical situations, such as if a mass of water was brought in from the North, at w hat level would the water level be? Where would flooding occur? He also surveyed the number of water pumping equipment and where the water would be drained so that it would not affect the public. He also surveyed what equipment would need to be moved, such as aircraft, weapons, and workplaces. In addition, there was a plan to help the public, with priorities and personnel to take care of it. When there was a training session, problems would be solved systematically and quickly. 'I believe that the readiness exercise will not cause panic among the local people because it is only a preparation plan. If we are not prepared, if something happens, it will cause more damage. It will also make the people feel more at ease. I confirm that solving the problem will not be like 2011 when water was drained from one point to another, which affected the people because we have already prepared to dredge the canal,' said ACM Panpakdee Source: Thai News Agency