World Bank Estimates $45 Billion In Thai Flood Damage - New Rains Hit South

BANGKOK (Xinhua) - According to the World Bank, the devastating floods have caused about $45 billion in estimated damage and are likely to slash Thailand's economic growth to 2.4 percent this year, Bangkok Post reported on Saturday.

The grim assessment was unveiled by the bank's country director Annette Dixon after a meeting with Virabongsa Ramangura, chairman of the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development, a special body set up by the Thai government, on Friday.

Of the estimated damage, around $21.11 billion involve property losses and $22 billion involve lost opportunities. The initial survey was jointly carried out by state and private agencies.

Based on the estimate, Thailand's economic growth will tumble to 2.4 percent from 3.6 percent projected previously, said Dixon.

EDIT

http://www.philstar.com/article.aspx?articleid=752381&publicationsubcategoryid=200

;-)

All these asshats that say we 'can't afford' to reign in emissions have contributed to a future that will impoverish the world.