Abstract
The study took a phenomenological approach to qualitative research, aimed at
studying disaster management following the destructive flooding and landslides in Lablae
district of Uttaradit Privince, and the development planning for disaster relief conducted
by the Lablae Public Health Team. Specific data were collected from 69 persons who
experienced the disaster, members of the rescue team and persons on whom the flooding
and landslides in Lablae district had an impact, 32 persons from an in-depth interview
and 47 persons from a focus group discussion as well as participants and non-participants, observers during the disaster, development of a disaster scenario for disaster relief
by the Lablae Public Health Team based on 90 participants, and analysis by data triangulation, using the Excel software program for category and data content analysis.
We was found that the flooding and landslide disaster that occurred during the
period May 22-24, 2006 adversely impacted the people of Lablae, Mange, and Thapla
districts and the surrounding province. Most people in Lablae suffered severe effects on
their lives and property. Many houses in the area of heavy flooding and landslides were
destroyed. Electricity, communication and transport systems were cuts making evaluation of the affected area impossible. The rescues were made only during the first stage;
they were delayed and not comprehensive. Also, the disaster relief plan of every office
involved was ineffective. The emergency team was unable to operate during the crisis.
The primary response was only to provide a safe area for the surveyed patients and medical
supplies. After the incident, although many organizations and volunteers rushed to the
area, they could not implement the relief plan, which resulted in incomplete data collection and the inefficient provision of security welfare.
The relief disaster plan of the health team must be operated in coordination with
public health and other relevant offices at all times: before, during and after such incidents, both at the district and provincial levels. The defined roles of the command post
and volunteers during the incident, together with the development of an emergency medical system, care-giving, epidemic prevention, psychotherapy, the readiness of the rescue
team, data on risky areas, rehearsal of integrated relief plans in all areas at risk of natural
disasters, and relief networks as well as the coordinating system and data collection must
be seriously considered before such incidents occur.
