The Department of Corrections evacuated 30 female and sick inmates from Kabin Buri District Prison in Prachin Buri province yesterday as floodwater rose to about 1.5 metres around the facility.
The inmates were transferred to Sa Kaeo Provincial Prison, while the evacuation of 315 male inmates has been postponed until Monday because authorities were prioritising assistance to flood victims in Kabin Buri district and it was already late in the day.
The department said the evacuation plan is being closely managed by the commander of the prison in Corrections Region 2, who is coordinating with local agencies to ensure that the operation is carried out safely.
The Internal Security Operations Command’s Prachin Buri office also provided military trucks to transport inmates from the area in front of the prison, where floodwater is deep, before transferring them onto Department of Corrections vehicles.
The Department of Corrections said the evacuation had proceeded smoothly and safely and urged relatives of inmates not to be concerned, saying officials from all relevant agencies are working around the clock.
Kabin Buri District Prison has also suspended family visits until the flood situation improves.
Prachin Buri is among the eastern provinces hardest hit by flooding after several days of heavy rain.
Kabin Buri district has been particularly badly affected, with floodwater reaching around 1.5 metres in some areas.
