THE Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is constructing its new southern headquarters on Phuket, in the heart of Phuket City.

From the island, the DDPM will oversee Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, Ranong and Trang.

The definition of disasters is broad, with the department already helping to retraining people who lose their jobs in the man-made worldwide economic downturn.

Any kind of epidemic will also involve the DDPM in helping to solve all associated problems. In between disasters, the department improves skills levels and tells people how to prevent and recognise potential troubles.

The new building, over six rai on land opposite the exit from Provincial Hall, will be ready to provide tent accommodation and transport in the event of a sudden problem.

But on his visit from Bangkok today to look at progress on the site, the Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Anucha Mokkawes, was keener to talk about the national drought.

About 400 people from organisations and administrations all over Phuket and the other five provinces heard Khun Anucha say that about 40 provinces were suffering from drought.

The provinces are mostly in the north and north east, with Phuket and the south not affected.

The department was giving advise on water consumption and conservation and dry-season crops, and helping to replace and upgrade equipment.

The DDPM, established in 1934, opened its first Phuket base next door to the new building in 2008.

There are 12 centres across Thailand, and Phuket is the first of six additional centres now being established.

The new buildings should be finished in October, 45 days after construction begins.

The DDPM was heavily involved in recovery and reconstruction after the 2004 tsunami, Thailand's largest natural disaster.