Transfer of knowledge and technology from the flood simulation system for the people of Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province

Abstract

Lots of area in Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province, is a basin in the north of Nan Province that supports the whole Nan River flowing downwards and into the Chao Phraya River. Therefore, Tha Wang Pha District is the first lowland area at risk of flooding from the Nan River. Recurring flooding problems in Tha Wang Pha District directly and indirectly effect 50,519 people. This project employed knowledge to build and technology to integrate the flood simulation system of Tha Wang Pha District, Nan Province, which was the product of the cooperation between Defence Technology Institute and Chiang Mai University. The objectives were to transfer knowledge and technology from the flood simulation system to local administrative organizations in 7 sub-districts, to encourage children and youth, communities and local administrative organizations in Tha Wang Pha districts to adopt the flood simulation system as part of formulating guidelines for coping with flood situations.

Target groups for the knowledge and technology transfer activities consisted of the Nan Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office at Chiang Klang branch, local government organizations in 7 sub-districts of Tha Wang Pha district, government agencies in Tha Wang Pha district office and Tha Wang Pha Pittayakom School. Participation in the knowledge sharing activities, technical workshops for collaboration and value-added workshop of the flood simulation system for executives of government agencies in Tha Wang Pha district was assessed with questionnaires for academic results in disaster relief and mitigation. They also looked for possible social benefits within local communities with regard to self-preparedness for flood situations. Officers at Chiang Klang branch, local Administrative organizations, teachers and students of Tha Wang Pha Pittayakom School, and head of government agencies in Tha Wang Pha District were seen to have embraced this tool to help themselves and their subjects to cope with flood situations.