Cyclone To Unleash Heavy Rains Around Thailand

[george]

Bengal Cyclone to unleash heavy rains around country: Meteorological

bangkok: -- The Meteorological Department warned Monday heavy rains would continue in many provinces around the country for a few days due to influence of a cyclone in Bengal Bay.

The department announced in a press release that a depression storm in the bay had gained more strength and upgrade and into a cyclone. As of 4 am Monday, it was located at about 550 kilometres west of Rangoon and was heading toward Burma.

The influence of the storm caused the low pressure ridge across the lower central region, upper northern region and eastern region to have more power.

The low pressure ridge coupled with the southwest monsoon wind, heavy rains will fall in many provinces around the country.

The department warned residents of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi to brace themselves for heavy downpours and flash floods.

-- The Nation 2007-05-14

[astral]

Rain is what we need in those drought stricken provinces.

[Jai Dee]

RID confident reservoirs across the country will be able to collect rainfalls during rainy season

Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) says he is confident that all reservoirs nationwide can contain all rainfall amounts during this rainy season. He also expects that this year’s flooding will not be as severe as the previous year.

RID Director-General Samart Chokkhanaphithak (สามารถ โชคคณาพิทักษ์) reports that RID has examined irrigation structures and water gates of the reservoirs to make sure that they will restore water to the full capacity. RID has also closely inspected the water situation of major rivers.

The overall water volume stored in all reservoirs stays at 67%. However, RID has prepared a plan to release water from some reservoirs if the amount of rainfall is considered as too high to prevent flooding at residential areas around the reservoirs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Dept. says rainfall nationwide

The Meteorological Department of Thailand reports tropical cyclone 01 B in the Bay of Bengal centered about 550 kilometers west of Rangoon, Myanmar or latitude 16.4 degrees North, longitude 91.2 degrees East, with a maximum wind near center about 65 kilometers per hour. It is moving north to northwestward approximately 10 kilometers per hour.

An active low pressure trough flies across the upper South, lower Central and East and intense southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand and the Gulf. Abundant and isolated rain is expected throughout the country.

People in the risky area should beware of flash flood. All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats in the Andaman Sea should keep ashore during the next two to three days.

Bangkok and vicinity today will experience almost widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain. Minimum temperature is at 25 degrees Celsius, while maximum temperature is at 33 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds is around 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 May 2007

[BossHogg]

Up here in Chiangmai we've had alot of rain over the last few days.Some pretty impressive elecrical storms too.No sign of any flooding just yet but we usually get floods in the rainy season .Rivers etc seem to be well below the danger levels but that may not be the case later into the rain season.

The mayor of Chiangmai resigned a few days ago and its rumoured it was because he;d been refused funds for flood prevention works. Hope this is not the case.

[Jai Dee]

900 residences in Wang Chin damaged by heavy rainfall

Last night’s heavy rainfall in Wang Chin (วังชิ้น) in Phrae (แพร่) Province has led to flash floods, damaging 900 residences in its 8 villages. The local advance warning system has work efficiently in assisting local residents to evacuate in time.

The flash flood has also brought scraps of wood and mud, obstructing water pipeline and damaging roads and bridge. Wang Chin District Chief Chatchapong Aimmasuwan (ชัชพงศ์ เอมมะสุวรรณ) informs there is no report of injury and death. The district is expediting the distribution of food and clean water for people affected by heavy rainfall.

Press members report the heavy rainfall and water released from Kamphaeng Phet (กำแพงเพชร) have caused 50-centimeter flood to over 2,000 rai of rice plantation in Phichit (พิจิตร) Province. Farmers cannot drain water into Yom (ยม) River due to the high water level in river, which is 4.11 meters.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Nakhon Sawan establishes flood, storm, and landslide relief center

Nakhon Sawan province is establishing a flood, storm ,and landslide relief center to prepare for natural disasters which may occur during this period.

The Governor of Nakhon Sawan province, Mr. Chanit Buaprasert (ชนินทร์ บัวประเสริฐ), revealed that the Meteorological Department has issued warnings of heavy rainfall in the first two weeks of May, with higher than normal rates of rainfall dispersal and volume due to low pressure monsoon winds from the southwestern region of Thailand. Rainfall is expected to abate from June-July, and increase from August to September.

Mr. Chanit said that tropical zone tornados may affect Thailand, causing flash floods, forest floods, and landslides. Therefore Nakhon Sawan province is establishing a flood, storm, and landslide relief center to coordinate with local officials in the event of an emergency. Local residents may contact 0-5637-2349-52 for assistance.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Uttardit officials remove road obstruction from mudslide

Pol. Lt. Upparit Srichan, the Governor of Uttaradit, says a mudslide obstructed the road in tambon Mae Phun in Laplae district of this province. The road obstruction was about 30 meters long, and relevant officials have already cleared up the area.

Meanwhile, mudslides have not occurred in other districts of Uttaradit even though the province continues to see rainfall everyday. Pol. Lt. Upparit says officials have excavated main areas of the province and the situation is not worrying at the moment.

However, the Governor says the mudslide situation in tambon Mae Phun is not serious, but he has assigned officials to monitor the situation closely and be ready to help the residences promptly.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Floods hit northern provinces; cyclone brings rain

Hundreds of homes and farms in Thailand's northern provinces have been inundated, and more rain is on the way, all due to a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, west of neighbouring Myanmar.

Hundreds of families in Phichit were affected by floods, with homes and farmland in Photalae district and a concrete bridge destroyed by rising torrents.

In Nakhon Sawan, continuous rain has caused flooding and road links with other communities have been cut off. Some 4,000 acres of croplands were inundated. Residents of low-lying areas have been warned of imminent flash floods.

In Phrae, a flash flood hit three villages in Wangshin district. Hundreds of homes have been damaged, and few villagers were able to move their belongings to higher ground before the onrushing waters arrived. Many farming families reported that their livestock was swept away by the floodwaters.

Provincial authorities in Phrae warned residents of five districts to brace for more flash floods.

In Uttaradit, local authorities are concerned about the flood situation. Some 4,000 acres of paddy fields were under one-metre deep floodwaters. Local authorities are assessing the damage in order to compensate affected villagers.

The Meteorological Department warns of further heavy rain throughout Thailand as the weather system is influenced by the Bay of Bengal cyclone.

Local residents of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces have been warned to brace for possible flash floods.

Source: TNA - 14 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Department issues flood alert to several provinces

The Meteorological Department has issued alerts in several northern provinces due to the possibility of flooding.

The Director General of the Meteorological Department, Mr. Suprik Thansrirattanawong (ศุภฤกษ์ ตันศรีรัตนวงค์), report that Bo Klua (บ่อเกลือ) District of Nan Province, Wangchin (วังชิ้น ) district of Phrae province are affected by heavy rainfall and flooding. Mae Chaem (แม่แจ่ม) district in Chiang Mai province, Fang (ฝาง) district in Uttaradit province, and Mae Hong Son province are also reported to be at risk to flooding. Local residents are asked to exercise caution from the periods of May to June due to incoming monsoons from the southwestern region.

The Director General of the Meteorological Department expressed his concern that forest and flash floods may occur in a similar fashion to 2006. Provincial governors and relevant agencies are asked to expedite safety preparations for local residents.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 14 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

RID confident reservoirs can take rainfalls caused by cyclone at Bay of Bengal

The Royal Irrigation Department (RID) has prepared all reservoirs across the country to tackle heavy rains caused by a cyclone at the Bay of Bengal.

RID Director-General Samart Chokkhanaphithak (สามารถ โชคคณาพิทักษ์) reveals that the depression at the Bay of Bengal, which had become a cyclone, will reach Myanmar today (May, 15th) and strengthen the low pressure area expanding across the lower Central, the upper South, and the East. Heavy rains are therefore expected in Chiang Mai, Lampang, Tak, Khamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthaithani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces.

The director-general reports that all reservoirs have a capacity to collect the total rainfall of more than 12 billion cubic meters. Major reservoirs which have more than half of the capacity left include the Kiew Lom (กิ่วลม), Thab Salao (ทับเสลา), Kaeng Kra Chan (แก่งกระจาน), and Pran Buri (ปราณบุรี).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Tropical cyclone 01B in Myanmar to cause rainfall nationwide

The Meteorological Department of Thailand reports that tropical cyclone 01B has entered Myanmar since 4 AM today (May 15). The cyclone was centered about 700 kilometers northwest of Rangoon in Myanmar, or Latitude 21.5 degrees North, Longitude 92.5 degrees East, with a maximum speed of about 75 kilometers per hour. It is moving north northwestward about 10 kilometers per hour.

Abundant and isolated heavy rain is likely over Thailand especially in provinces of the western part of the North, Central and South, such as the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaengphet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Ranong and Phang Nga.

People in risky areas should beware of potential flash flood. All boats in the Gulf and the Andaman Sea should proceed with caution, and small boats in the Andaman Sea should keep ashore during one to two days.

Bangkok and vicinity will mostly see widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain. The minimum temperature is at 25 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature is at 33 degrees Celsius. The average speed of southwesterly winds is around 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Heavy rain increase water level at Yom River

The water level of the Yom River has increased due to heavy rains in the Northern region. Meanwhile, Sukhothai Province warns residents to be prepared for landslide and flash flood.

Head of the Meteorological Center of Sukhothai Praphruet Yodphaiboon (ประพฤติ ยอดไพบูลย์) reveals that the increased water level has affected many water diverting projects at the Yom River, including the Thale Luang (ทะเลหลวง) Project which is aimed to resolve drought and flooding.

Praphruet adds that the higher water level of the Yom River might lead to flooding especially at the river banks hit by flood last year and have not been completely restored. The province has therefore suggested residents to stay cautious against dangers caused by heavy rain and keep abreast of weather forecasts.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Heavy rains to continue after cyclone lands on Burmese coast

The Meteorological Department warned Tuesday that many provinces would still be hit with heavy rains after a cyclone has landed on the Burmese coast.

The department said in a statement that the cyclone with packing wind power of 75 kilometres per hour was about 700 kms northwest of Rangoon and was moving northeast at the speed of 10 kms per hour as of 4 am Tuesday.

The department said the influence of the storm would cause heavy rains in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Ranong, and Phang Nga.

The department said rains could also fall in 70 per cent of Bangkok's areas.

Source: The Nation - 15 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Mae Hong Son Governor warns general public to take precautions of natural disasters

Mae Hong Son Governor Direk Konkleeb says the Meteorological Department has reported tropical cyclone 01B in Myanmar moved to Bangladesh and was downgraded to the low pressure cell. However, it has caused low pressure and heavy rain in the North of Thailand, particularly in Mae Hong Son province. At the same time, the monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand has gained strength. Local residents in risky areas have been warned to take precaution.

According to the Meteorological Department, 81 villages are very prone to natural disasters, 115 villages are moderately prone and 44 villages have low risk. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will measure the amount of rainfall and issue emergency warnings to the general public.

The Governor asks people traveling between Pai district of Mae Hong Son and Mae Jaem district of Chiang Mai to drive carefully as roads are under construction while accidents often due to slippery roads.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Upper Central People’s Network to brainstorm sustainable solutions to flooding

The Upper Central People’s Network will arrange a seminar to brainstorm sustainable solutions to flooding.

Manager of the Upper Central People’s Network, Phiraphol Suwanrungrueng (พีระพล สุวรรณรุ่งเรือง) reveals that the seminar is part of the network’s project to revive the way of life people living in the Chao Phraya river basin affected by floods. The seminar is scheduled to take place today (May, 16th) at the cultural center of Tambon Ton Tarn (ต้นตาล), Sao Hi (เสาไห้) District, Saraburi Province. It is aimed to create cooperation in the management of water and forests in nine provinces of the Upper Central to resolve flooding.

The organizing committee of the seminar will submit proposals on the management of the Chao Phraya river basin to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Social Development and Human Security, Paiboon Wattanasiritham (ไพบูลย์ วัฒนศิริธรรม). The proposals will also be presented in a seminar held by people’s networks of seven regions nationwide during May 23 – 24 at Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Meterological Department forecast heavy rain in the West and the East

The Meterological Department of Thailand reports that a trough of low pressure lies across lower Central, upper South and East, and moderate southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand and the Gulf.

Abundant and isolated heavy rain is likely in provinces of the west part of the country and the East, such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket.

All boats in the Andaman Sea should proceed with caution.

The metropolitan will face scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain. The minimum temperature will be around 25 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature will be about 33 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds will be approximately 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 May 2007