Three more bodies have been recovered from the debris of the collapsed SAO building in Bangkok today, bringing the death toll at this construction site to 13. The remains have been taken to the Institute of Forensic Science at the Police General Hospital for identification.
The search of those still unaccounted for continues, as rescuers, with the aid of sniffer dogs, race against time to save anyone still alive.
An identification centre has been set up at the Institute of Forensic Science. Relatives of those still missing can contact the centre every day from 8.30am to 8pm. They are advised to bring with them ID cards and allow DNA samples to be taken, to facilitate the identification of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the Insurance Commission says that owners of condominium rooms or houses damaged by the earthquake on Friday can proceed with repairs, without having to be assessed by insurance companies first. They are, however, advised to take pictures of the damage first, as evidence to support compensation claims.
The hotline 1186 is now available for claimants to seek advice and assistance.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today that the ministry has set up a committee to investigate the collapse of the SAO building, which is expected to conclude its work within seven days.
He said that he has sought help from Chinese experts on earthquake rescue operations, through the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok, and the experts who have observed the rescue operations at the site say that they are up to standard and there is no need for changes, as time is running out.
As it is approaching 72 hours since the collapse of the building, the minister added that rescue teams must accelerate the removal of rubble to locate and rescue or recover as many of those trapped as possible.
He admitted, though, that the chances of survival for those still trapped after 72 hours reduce significantly.
