Worst Storm In 46 Years Set To Strike Thailand

[george]

Worst storm in 46 years set to strike

BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Depart-ment yesterday warned upper-southern provinces to be prepared for a tropical depression that would bring the heaviest rainfall in 46 years.

Chief Supareuk Tansriratana-wong said an active low-pressure area in the Gulf of Thailand had gathered strength to become a tropical depression by yesterday afternoon. He warned it would cause very heavy rain similar to that experienced in May 1961.

The depression was due to hit land between Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon at 8pm last night. Residents of the two provinces were warned to be on alert for flash-floods, especially in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Bang Saphan, Bang Saphan Noi and Thap Sakae districts and Chumphon for the next few days.

In addition, Bangkok and the provinces of Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Phetchaburi, Ranong and Phang Nga were put on alert for flooding.

Supareuk said the Tanaosi Mountain Range in Prachuap Khiri Khan had yielded reddish water, indicating heavy rainfall could cause floods in the lower surrounding areas.

He urged owners of small boats not to leave harbour and captains of bigger vessels to be cautious until tomorrow as high waves would hit the upper Gulf of Thailand.

Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department chief Anucha Mokawet urged governors of 25 provinces to prepare for heavy rain, floods, strong winds, landslides and high waves.

Meanwhile, a six-tonne rock crushed a 32-year-old cook to death in Trang province's Palian district yesterday morning. Police rushed to the Excite Resort on Koh Lao Liang to find Pratheep Chitjaidiew, 32, underneath the rock, which fell on the kitchen.

With the stormy weather expected to linger for a few days and the rainy season approaching, Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosa-yodhin yesterday met with agencies to discuss flood measures, especially for the city's 14 major flood-prone areas and 300 other spots with chronic flooding problems.

Apirak sai Bang Khunthien district had the most rainfall, at 97.5 millimetres from Monday until yesterday morning.

--The Nation 2007-05-02

[ratcatcher]

So, it's raining..................big deal. That's what they were praying for a month ago.

Edited May 2, 2007 by george

[Jai Dee]

Warning

"Tropical depression in the Gulf of Thailand"

No. 11 (137 / 2550) Time Issued : May 02, 2007

At 04.00 a.m. today, tropical depression has its center in the coastal areas of Myanmar, west of Ta Sae, Chumphon, or at Lat. 10.5 °N, Long. 98.5 °E with maximum wind speed about 50 km/hr. The depression is moving westward slowly and will move to the upper portion of the Andaman Sea today. More rain and heavy to very heavy rain are expected in some places over provinces of the lower Central, East and South of Thailand; such as, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Trang and Satun, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. People in the risky areas should beware of flash flood and flooding condition. Besides, high wave 2-3 meters in upper Gulf is likely. All ships should proceed with caution during 2-3 May 2007.

Source: Thai Meteorological Department

A satellite image of the depression can be seen here.

[farang prince]

So, it's raining..................big deal. That's what they were praying for a month ago.

I assume your apartment is not on the ground floor. Get back to us in a week.

[November Rain]

So, it's raining..................big deal. That's what they were praying for a month ago.

A very selfish view IMO. I'm in one of the affected provinces. Luckily, for me, I'm OK, but the dogs in my center are not faring well. One has hypothermia & is in my bedroom recovering. Many don't have a dry spot to sleep in or stand in, I have one pup dead & 2 sick. I've had to move many outside dogs into my house. And that's just dogs... think of all those people who live in substandard housing, low lying areas, areas near rivers etc. Many, many people will be badly affected by this. FYI, on a recent thread, about loving rainy season, I said I hated it, so I wasn't praying for rain!

[Jai Dee]

Depression expected in Phuket

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Official of Phuket Province, Arun Kerdsom (อรุณ เกิดสม) reports that the Meteorological Center of the Western South has warned the province of a depression which is now moving toward the Andaman Sea. The depression is expected to cause heavy rains and gusty winds at many areas in Phuket, Phangnga, Krabi, Ranong, and Trang provinces.

As for Phuket, there have been rain for many consecutive days. The provincial office of disaster prevention and mitigation has therefore suggested residents to remain cautious against flash flood and forest water. It also warns people not to swim in the sea during this period as the tide is strong.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain in the eastern side of the South

The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain in the eastern side of the South.

At 6.00 hours, today (May 2nd), Depression has covered the upper South and moved to Andaman Sea, causing heavy rain in the eastern side of the South, especially Petchburi (เพชรบุรี), Prachuap Khiri Khan (ประจวบคีรีขันธ์), Chumporn (ชุมพร), Surat Thani (สุราษฎร์ธานี), and Nakhon Si Thammarat (นครศรีธรรมราช).

People living in the provinces have been urged to stay vigilant of flash flood on May 2nd-3rd. Meanwhile, fishermen have been warned of high waves.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 May 2007

[Mystery]

Warning

"Tropical depression in the Gulf of Thailand"

No. 11 (137 / 2550) Time Issued : May 02, 2007

At 04.00 a.m. today, tropical depression has its center in the coastal areas of Myanmar, west of Ta Sae, Chumphon, or at Lat. 10.5 °N, Long. 98.5 °E with maximum wind speed about 50 km/hr. The depression is moving westward slowly and will move to the upper portion of the Andaman Sea today. More rain and heavy to very heavy rain are expected in some places over provinces of the lower Central, East and South of Thailand; such as, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Trang and Satun, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. People in the risky areas should beware of flash flood and flooding condition. Besides, high wave 2-3 meters in upper Gulf is likely. All ships should proceed with caution during 2-3 May 2007.

Source: Thai Meteorological Department

A satellite image of the depression can be seen here.

Thanks for the link to the satelite picture that's great, although I can't quite see Koh Samui but I guess that's what our imaginations for. Been raining since last Friday on Koh Samui! No floods like November a few years ago yet, thank God, that was terrible and since even a little rain seems to cause flooding in all the same hotspots on Koh Samui, it doesn't seem much has been done to prevent another such a flood, or what has been done may not be sufficient. Interesting discussion about dams and what should be done in comparison to what has been done in Holland. May I point out however, that not only is Holland a lot smaller but also a Western country to which you're comparing their Governments response to flooding/flash flooding to a "Developing country's" Governments response. Don't think I need to go into the many factors that would give the Dutch government the advantage; although I also hasten to add I'm not providing excuses for developing nations/countries not to take responsibility and improve the multiple aspects of their nations/countries that need improvement, simply that we need to take that into consideration when comparing with a Western country perhaps.

Either way, I'm one of those typically annoying Brits that wishes for the sun when it rains and dreams of the rain when its sunny, as it does get so terribly hot here sometimes, especially April/May!

[Jai Dee]

Mineral Resources Dept. warns of landslide at areas hit by storms

The Department of Mineral Resources warns residents that landslides hit by storm may occur. It also calls for arrangement of drills on landslide and flash flood nationwide.

Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, Aphichai Chawacharoenphan (นายอภิชัย ชวเจริญพันธ์) says the department was reported by landslide monitoring networks that rainfall measured at storm-affected areas was not likely to cause landslide. However, the director-general suggests residents to remain cautious against natural disasters until storm has passed.

Regarding a rock falling accident that killed a person in Trang Province, the director-general says the rock fell from a limestone mountain due to heavy rains. He therefore calls for residents to alert officials of cracks at land or mountain surfaces. The department has carried out drills at more than 20 landslide-prone villages in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, and prepared officials of natural disaster monitoring networks.

Mr Apichai adds that natural disaster monitoring networks should evacuate residents immediately if rainfall is higher than 100 millimeters a day at their areas. The director-general affirms drills on landslide at other provinces will be conducted within this month.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Tourists in Phuket warned not to swim due to strong wind and high wave

Phuket (ภูเก็ต) Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation officers have erected red flags at beaches to warn tourists not to swim due to strong winds and high waves.

According to warnings from the Meteorological Department of storm in Andaman coastline, Phuket has passed the warning to local administrative organizations to stay vigilant of floods and mudslide and to prepare assistance equipment for emergency cases.

Continuous rain is still reported in Phuket Province; however, flood and mudslide have yet been reported.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Depression to hit Northern region

The Meteorological Department reports that it has detected a depression at the Andaman Sea today (May, 3rd) at 04.00 a.m. The center of the depression is located south-west from Tak Province 600 kilometers. It is now at latitude 13.0 degree north and 94.5 longitude east and has a maximum wind speed of 55 kilometers an hour.

The department says the depression is moving towards the western side of the Northern region at the rate of 10 kilometers an hour. It is expected to reach the North during these two days.

The depression will cause the Northern and the Central regions to have more rains. Heavy rains are expected at some areas in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces. The department warns residents in disaster-pone areas of the provinces mentioned above to remain cautious against flash flood and forest water.

As for the situation at the Gulf of Thailand, the tide has become weakened and the situation is expected to return to normal in the evening today. Meanwhile, the tide of the Andaman Sea will continue to be strong for the next two days.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

14 provinces are warned of flash floods and heavy rains

The Meteorological Department warns people in 14 provinces of flash floods due to the influences from the depression in the Andaman Sea.

The center of the depression is 350 kilometers away from Chumphon province and its maximum speed is 55 kilometers per hour. The depression continues to move to the northwestern direction at about 10 kilometers per hour and it is likely to draw nearer to the northern coast of Thailand on May 3rd and 4th. Heavy rains are expected in the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi.

In the southwestern part of Thailand, heavy rains are expected to continue till tomorrow. The southern provinces of Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket have to beware of possible floods over the next few days.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 May 2007

[george]

Heavy rain, flash flood warning in Thailand's north, west

BANGKOK: -- A tropical depression over the Andaman Seas is approaching upper Thailand and heavy rains and flash flood warnings have been issued for the northern and western regions, and ships are advised to proceed with caution until the weekend.

Thailand's Meteorological Department director-general Suparerk Tansriratanawong said that the depression will bring continuing rain in upper Thailand until May 5.

The weather department warned of heavy rains in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi.

The tropical depression was centred 600 km southwest of Tak province on Thursday morning. The approaching storm is expected to cause more rain in Thailand's west, northern and central regions until Saturday.

In Ratchaburi, overnight rain prompted provincial disaster response authorities to make ready for the evacuation of villagers living in mountaineous areas in case of emergency.

Chiang Mai and Kanchanaburi experienced cloudy skies and scattered rain showers. Both provinces issued warnings for some areas including tourist attractions.

Heavy rain is also expected in the southern Andaman Sea provinces of Ranong, Phangnga, and Phuket, while strong winds are expected to affect shipping in the Andaman Sea.

Scattered rain is forecast for 60 per cent of Bangkok, Mr. Suparerk said, adding that it is unlikely that flooding will occur as high tides are not expected. There will be no problem on water drainage in the capital, he said.

--TNA 2007-05-03

[Scott]

For those that were praying for rain remember the old saying:

"When the gods want to get even with you, they answer your prayers."

I hope most are/will fare well in the bad weather. Best of luck.

[Jai Dee]

Govt. closely monitors areas where landslides may occur during continuous rain

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment are closely monitoring the areas where landslides can occur due to continuous rainfall as landslides usually occur during this period.

Royal Irrigation Department Director-General Samart Chokanapitak has informed Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Thira Sutabutr that the depression has caused continuous rainfall. However, major dams across Thailand are still strong enough to support the increasing amount of water. Mr. Samart says his department has continued to inspect the dams, and most rainfall occurs below the dams, not above the dams.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 May 2007

[ratcatcher]

So, it's raining..................big deal. That's what they were praying for a month ago.

A very selfish view IMO. I'm in one of the affected provinces. Luckily, for me, I'm OK, but the dogs in my center are not faring well. One has hypothermia & is in my bedroom recovering. Many don't have a dry spot to sleep in or stand in, I have one pup dead & 2 sick. I've had to move many outside dogs into my house. And that's just dogs... think of all those people who live in substandard housing, low lying areas, areas near rivers etc. Many, many people will be badly affected by this. FYI, on a recent thread, about loving rainy season, I said I hated it, so I wasn't praying for rain!

I apologize if I offended you or anybody who has the misfortune to be in the seriously affected areas and is suffering the after effects of torrential rain.

My point, perhaps was to say that bad weather happens, here and all over the world and sometimes it's accompanied by severely high winds. Thailand is generally fairly fortunate in the extreme weather department.

I live in Bangkok and we had heavy rain here but I'm lucky that our soi did not flood and my home was dry.

My sympathies to those who've suffered from extremes of weather.

[blam]

Lightning hit the house on Tuesday, fixed roof today. House still feels 'funny'.

Haven't seen anything rainwise close to last year, and it looks like the worst is over.

ratcatcher, mai mee bpang ha bro. Thailand, what can you say?

The storms of '82, 85, 91, 93, 96, 99, etc, were far worse, dunno what they were talking about 46 years for.

I just hate it when the clothes don't dry, gotta get a clothes dryer one of these years.

Phuket has it's own weather ecosystem and it has seen its share of phon tok (rainfall), this depression really was not one to think about. Or, maybe I am tired of the Thai newspapers overbuilding everything under the sun these days.

Old and in the way in Phuket.

[cheshiremusicman]

Lightning hit the house on Tuesday, fixed roof today. House still feels 'funny'.

Haven't seen anything rainwise close to last year, and it looks like the worst is over.

ratcatcher, mai mee bpang ha bro. Thailand, what can you say?

The storms of '82, 85, 91, 93, 96, 99, etc, were far worse, dunno what they were talking about 46 years for.

I just hate it when the clothes don't dry, gotta get a clothes dryer one of these years.

Phuket has it's own weather ecosystem and it has seen its share of phon tok (rainfall), this depression really was not one to think about. Or, maybe I am tired of the Thai newspapers overbuilding everything under the sun these days.

Old and in the way in Phuket.

Sorry to hear about your lightning strike Blam. We are in Hua-Hin and I have just moved ( some 3 months ago) from the UK to retire here. We have had four days of absolute deluge here, reckon that we have had some 600mm's of rain in that time . It sure has tested the new roof out and fortunately we had a heavy downpour about a 10 days ago and that found the one and only leak out before this four day deluge. Feel very sorry for the poor folks that don't have the luxury of a solid roof over there head or live in the really low lying parts.

I was warned about torrential rain by friends here but I have only ever seen rain like it in Scotland and only for an hour or so. Seems as if the tropical depression that caused all these problems has now drifted out west into the Indian ocean and due to make landfall in Northern Thailand sometime today or tonight. I hope for there sake that it has lost its power when it does finally arrive.

At the moment we are using a hired Isuzu cab and after driving yesterday to get some gas I only just made it back along one of the backroads because of the depth of standing water. Some of the locals with cabs were just sitting waiting for the water level to go down before they tried to get through, but I thought as it was on hire I'd see what it would do! It sure has made my mind up as to what vehicle to buy - reckon its going to be a Fortuner.

This morning the rain has stopped, after another night of torrential downpours, so we are hoping for some respite today but we still have very dark skies and I wouldn't count on an dry day today.

Oh by the way OUR tumble drier arrived in the container from the UK about 10 days ago, glad we brought it with us - think that we will definitely be using it a lot .

To all TV people I hope that you are all safe and dry and take care.

[Jai Dee]

Continuous rainfall from North to South, may cause flash floods

The Meteorological Department warns people from the North to the upper South of Thailand of possible flash floods due to continuous rainfall, especially in Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The department forecasts that rain will continue to fall till May 8th.

The Director-General of the Meteorological Department, Mr. Suparerk Tansriratanawong, says the depression in the Andaman Sea is causing fluctuating weather in Thailand, and it is moving slowly to the coast of Myanmar. The influences of the depression affect Thailand’s northern provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Trat, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet and Nakhon Sawan. It also affects other provinces including Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan. Mr. Suparerk says he is concerned for Prachuap Khiri Khan as rain is falling heavily and continuously in the province. He says the provinces of Ranong and Phang Nga are also facing continuous precipitation.

Mr. Suparerk says small trawlers should avoid sailing in the Andaman Sea for now as the waves are as high as three meters. He also warns tourists who travel from island to island in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand to be more careful of the fluctuating weather.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Department issues warning of depression

According to the Meteorological Department of Thailand, the center of the depression in the Andaman Sea is 700 kilometers away from the southwestern coast of Tak province. Its exact location is 14.5 degrees north latitude and 93.0 degrees east longitude. The maximum speed of the depression is around 55 kilometers per hour.

The Meteorological Department says the depression is moving slowly to Myanmar, causing moderate to heavy rains in some areas of the northern provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon. The department warns people in those provinces of possible flash floods and forest floods due to continuous rainfall at the moment.

The winds in the Gulf of Thailand is expected to weaken and will return to normal tomorrow (May 5). However, heavy rains and strong winds are still prevalent in the western coast of Thailand for over the next couple of days.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 May 2007

[Phil Conners]

Latest satellite image of the area:

[BigSnake]

Thank goodness for the rain, need it for sure, just pray for little of no flood/wind damage, lost of life etc. Good luck to all in the most effect area.

[cm-happy]

Storm is approaching Chiang Mai. Have had light rain for last two days, at least where I am in Mae Rim. Nothing heavy so far. Lets hope no flooding occur.

[kmart]

In Rayong province so far, there has been 4 days of continuous heavy rain and thunderstorms. Its dark all the time too. I feel like I'm back in Manchester.

[Jai Dee]

Serious flood hits Hua Hin: disaster-zone declaration is being considered

Local administrative leaders asked Prachuap Khiri Khan Prasong Pitoonkijja to declare Hua Hin a disaster zone Thursday's night.

The request came amid worsening floods in the area.

Several spots in Hua Hin, which is located in Prachuap Khiri Khan, were under water. A local bridge was severed.

Floods hit after rain poured down on the area.

Source: The Nation - 04 May 2007

[Jet Gorgon]

I hope everyone is safe. Please unplug your electrical appliances, esp computer, TV, fridge, when you hear a big thunder & lightening storm coming or before you go out. Even though I had stabilisers and everything, many of my units got zapped one year.

No clothes dryer: add a little bleach to each wash to get the manky smell out. Iron dry if you have an iron. First prospect of sun, hang it all out to dry. One pal hung clothes etc on the back of the fridge (if it has the coils there). Works well, dries them fast. Improvise.

Enjoy the sound of the water falling?

[Jai Dee]

Interior Permanent Secretary says Prachuap Khiri Khan is under control

The Permanent Secretary for Interior, Mr. Pongpayom Vasaphuti, affirms that the Ministry of Interior is prepared for the tropical storm.

Mr. Pongpayom says Hua Hin district of Prachuap Khiri Khan has recently been announced as natural disaster-hit area due to the influences from the tropical storm. However, he says the situation is under control, and the Provincial Administrative Organization of Prachuap Khiri Khan can still manage heavy rainfall at the moment. The province has also established Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center to look after the emergency crisis. The Governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan can coordinate with the government agencies and armed forces at all times.

However, the Interior Ministry has set up plans for nearby provinces such as Chumphon and Phetchaburi to deal with potential natural disasters.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister says flooding in Hua Hin will be brought under control

Minister of Interior Aree Wong-araya is confident that the authority can effectively deal with flooding incident at Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The province is now mobilizing aid to assist the flood victims.

After the declaring Hua Hin as disaster hit area, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation then distributes aid to victims of the flood. The minister reports that the Hua Hin Municipality as well as the province are speeding up to drain water out from the submerged area.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 May 2007

[cheshiremusicman]

Interior Minister says flooding in Hua Hin will be brought under control

Minister of Interior Aree Wong-araya is confident that the authority can effectively deal with flooding incident at Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The province is now mobilizing aid to assist the flood victims.

After the declaring Hua Hin as disaster hit area, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation then distributes aid to victims of the flood. The minister reports that the Hua Hin Municipality as well as the province are speeding up to drain water out from the submerged area.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 May 2007

Yesterday (friday) here in Hua-Hin we had only spots of rain, this after another horrendous night of downpours.

I was amazed to see that the water had virtually disappeared by the end of the day after the sun made an appearance and down in the town the roads seemed ok apart from some flood water near to the Market Village. I have not been over to the other side of the town as yet but HH seems to have returned to normal. This morning we have blue skies and sunshine so let us hope that the worst is over, particularly for all those poor people who have been flooded out of their houses.

[astral]

Thanks for that Satellite photo posted by Phil.

I cannot get anything from the Thai weather site......

It gives a much better idea than the BBC weather map, which shows rain

right down into Malaysia.

I hope everyone weathers the storm.