Worst Storm In 46 Years Set To Strike Thailand

[Jai Dee]

Irrigation Office warns heavy rains might flood river banks along Chao Phraya River

The Office of the Royal Irrigation (ORI) Region 12 warns that heavy rains might submerge areas along river banks in the Northern and Central regions.

Acting Director of the ORI Region 12, M.L.Anumas Thongthaem (อนุมาศ ทองแถม) says the rainfall during the previous 2-3 days in the Northern and Central regions caused the water level of the Chao Phraya River to increase. Water flows through the water gate of the Chao Phraya Reservoir at the rate of 754 cubic meters per second and has a tendency to flow faster.

Not only the river banks might be flooded, some fish floating baskets located at the end of the Chao Phraya Reservoir might be affected by the heavy rains.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Nakhon Sawan swamp

Residents of Nakhon Sawan’s Kao Lieo district wade through floodwater yesterday as they go about their daily lives. At least nine villages in this district were flooded after days of heavy downpours.

Source: The Nation - 08 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

Heavy storms continue in Mae Hong Son

Mae Hong Son province continues to experience heavy rainfall.

The Chief of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department of Mae Hong Son province, Mr. Komsan Suwanampa (คมสัน สุวรรณอัมพา), reports that low pressure zones in the northern region of Thailand is causing heavy rains in local areas, and poses great risk to the lives and property of local residents. Despite the end of storms in many provinces, rainfall continues unabated in Mae Hong Son, causing traffic congestion, especially along the 1095 highway leading into Chiang Mai province.

Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling during this period. Falling trees, landslides, and road repair work are to be expected.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 May 2007

[Jai Dee]

DDPM warns of flash flood and landslide due to depression at Gulf of Thailand

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reports that 16 provinces have still been inflicted by drought while warning of flash flood and landslide in the Southern, Eastern, and Central regions.

DDPM Director-General Anucha Mokawech (อนุชา โมกขะเวส) reveals that apart from the drought situation, the country might face natural disasters caused by depression at the Gulf of Thailand. As a result, the director-general calls for 12 provincial offices of disaster prevention and mitigation across the country to warn residents against flash flood, landslide, and storm.

People should be cautious when sailing in the sea and small boats should not leave shore during this period. The director-general also instructs the 12 offices of DDPM to deploy officials to monitor the situation 24hrs in order to assist disaster victims in time.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 May 2007