PH Embassy provides aid to Filipinos affected by Bangkok floods

The Philippine Embassy in Bangkok is delivering food and water to Filipinos affected by flooding in Thailand, Ambassador Millicent Cruz Paredes said Monday.

In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview, Paredes said the embassy had received a limited number of requests for assistance despite widespread flooding in Bangkok. It is working with Filipino community leaders to identify others who may need help.

“So, nagpapaabot kami ngayon ng tubig, ng pagkain, hinahanap namin kung sino iyong mga pockets of FilCom na nangangailangan (we are currently delivering water and food, and we are searching for pockets of the Filipino community who are in need)," she said.

"And we continue to be in touch with the Filipino community leaders na sila ang nakakapagturo sa amin kung sino pa ang nangangailangan (who can guide us on who else is in need),” she added.

Continuous rain over the weekend had eased, but the embassy remained on alert because heavy rain was still forecast.

Flooding had affected the Thai capital and the nearby provinces of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Pathum Thani.

She said some Filipinos had difficulty buying supplies after panic buying and food hoarding in certain areas.

Those affected were staying in their homes, and the embassy had received no requests for shelter.

She added authorities had set up 223 temporary shelters, but the embassy had so far found no Filipinos staying in them.

Many Filipinos live in condominium buildings above the floodwaters, although flooded streets around their residences have made it difficult for them to go out.

“So ang nakukuha naming hiling ng tulong ngayon ay tungkol sa pagkain at saka sa tubig. So iyan ang ipro-provide natin (So the requests for assistance we are receiving right now are for food and water. So that is what we will provide),” she said.

Paredes noted that she is in direct contact with Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt and that the embassy could coordinate with Thai authorities if further assistance was needed.

The embassy itself had not been flooded. Filipinos are urged to monitor weather alerts, follow local safety instructions and inform the embassy if they know anyone who needs help.