At aid distributions for flood-affected families, rice and other items are given out. Photo courtesy of Caritas Thailand
By Ross Tomlinson, Catholic Relief Services
Thailand is no stranger to calamity. In most years there is some level of flooding. But they are normally smaller and localized, more manageable.
This year the floods are enormous. They cover the lowland provinces, which is the agricultural basket of Thailand. Responders have looked on in astonishment as the slow moving mass of water bore down on Bangkok to head to the sea.
The heavy rains were coupled with age-old water management issues revolving around the question: How much water should farmers (and politicians) keep back for the crops? Is this all the rain we will have? Continue reading
