Reporters:
Asst. Prof. Dr. Nattapon Kaewthong
Asst. Prof. Chayanat Buathongkua
Asst. Prof. Tanakorn Inthasuth
Ms. Sayamon Buddhamongkol
Ms. Duanrung Chooyruang
Evidence Date:
Apr 10, 2023, Nov 21, 2023, Sep 7, 2023
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators:
13.3.4
Details:
In setting policies and operations to support disaster management and climate change adaptation, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) plays a crucial role as an advisor and partner with local agencies in planning and implementing disaster management efforts in southern Thailand. This region faces high risks from natural disasters, particularly floods and droughts. Collaborations with government agencies and related projects strengthen the capacity to prepare for climate-related changes. Additionally, RUTS emphasizes efficient water resource management and integrates efforts with local communities.
1. Advisory Role and Local Flood Prevention Task Force Meeting
The first meeting of the flood prevention task force for Phawong Subdistrict Municipality and Khao Rup Chang City Municipality was held on April 10, 2023. The meeting was chaired by Paijane Maksuwan, the President of the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization, and attended by heads of government agencies, representatives from Khao Rup Chang City Municipality, Phawong Subdistrict Municipality, and other relevant agencies.
The main agenda items included:
1. A study on the feasibility and detailed design of flood prevention and main drainage systems to alleviate flooding issues in the southern watershed area, Phase 3 (presented by the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning).
– 1.1 Solutions for flood prevention and drainage for communities along Samrong Canal and adjacent areas.
– 1.2 Solutions for flood prevention and drainage for communities in Phawong and surrounding areas.
2. A drainage project along the median of Lopburi Ramesuan Road, from Nam Krajai Intersection to Phawong Canal (presented by the Department of Highways).
The objective of this meeting was to integrate and systematize flood prevention and drainage solutions for Phawong Subdistrict Municipality and Khao Rup Chang City Municipality to address the issues more effectively.
2. Support for Flood Monitoring Preparedness in Collaboration with the Hydro-Informatics Institute
On November 20, 2023, Professor Dr. Suwat Thanaroj, President of RUTS, assigned Assistant Professor Dr. Natthaphon Kaewthong from the Faculty of Engineering and Assistant Professor Chayanat Buathongkuea from the College of Industrial Technology and Management to attend a press conference on flood preparedness in the southern region organized by the Hydro-Informatics Institute. Supamas Isarabhakdee, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, assigned Suchada Tantrap, the Minister’s Secretary, to open the event and listen to a water situation forecast briefing provided by the Hydro-Informatics Institute.
The online network participants included:
1) Community Disaster Warning Network in Pattani Watershed (Southern Border Provinces Network),
2) Trang River Basin Management Center, Thung Song Municipality, Nakhon Si Thammarat,
3) Tambon Tam Yai and Tambon Thi Wang, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat,
4) SCG Thung Song Cement Company,
5) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center, Region 11 (Surat Thani), and
6) RUTS Songkhla Campus.
3. Integration of Data and Communication for Rapid Response
Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) supports the use of technology and innovation to integrate disaster-related data for quick dissemination to communities. Social media platforms are primarily used to report and alert the public on disaster events, such as PM2.5 air quality warnings that impact local health. Communication through Facebook enables residents to access information and take immediate precautions, reducing health risks associated with air pollution.
Summary
The disaster management policy and operations of Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya (RUTS) exemplify effective collaboration between educational institutions, local agencies, and civil society in establishing resilient infrastructure and disaster monitoring networks. RUTS’s partnership with the Hydro-Informatics Institute and the use of online communication technology enable local communities to access timely information, facilitating quick decision-making and sustainable adaptation to climate change.
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