Interior minister orders help for storm victims

BANGKOK, April 13 (TNA) - Interior minister ordered the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to help victims of summer storms in 36 provinces. Interior Minister Anupong Paojinda quoted the department as reporting that summer storms damaged 7,903 houses in 36 provinces from April 6 to 12. Therefore, he told the department to help affected people. He ordered its staff to survey damage, arrange for compensation under the regulations of the Finance Ministry, distribute consumer products and materials for house repair to victims and restore public utilities in the provinces quickly. He also warned people in 12 provinces in central and southern regions to prepare for possible thunderstorms and rough sea on April 13 and 14. (TNA)