Flash Flood Warning For North, North East, Central Thailand

[george]

Residents of 11 provinces warned of flash floods

BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Department Friday warned residents of 11 provinces to brace themselves against possible flash floods due to heavy rains to be unleashed by influence of strong low-pressure mass and monsoon wind.

In its morning forecast issued at 4 am, the department said heavy rains would continue for a few days more in many parts of the country, especially the 11 province.

The 11 provinces are Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi and Trat.

The department said the low-pressure mass over the northern and northeastern regions plus the southwest Monsoon over the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand would unleash heavy rains in most parts of the country from Friday to Sunday.

It said 60 per cent of areas in Bangkok could face rains.

The department said 70 per cent of the North would be hit by rains compared with 60 per cent in northeastern and eastern regions respectively.

It said 40 per cent of the central region could be hit by rains while 60 per cent of southern region on the western coast would be hit by rains compared with 40 per cent of the southern region on the eastern coast.

The Nation

[Jai Dee]

Si Sa Ket prepares to cope with flooding

The northeastern province of Si Sa Ket is preparing measures to address flood problems

Si Sa Ket Highway District has issued an announcement that Si Sa Ket province is likely to experience continuous heavy rain between May and November, 2007. Influences from the depression may also bring about forest flood and flash flood, causing damage to the provincial economy, properties and lives.

Si Sa Ket Highway District has therefore set measures to prevent and solve flood problems on all provincial routes, and has asked people including motorists to inform the local authority if there are road obstructions such as fallen trees. They can call Si Sa Ket Highway at 0-4561-1535.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

PMs Office Minister Dhipavadee helping out flood victims in Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani

Prime Minister's Office Minister Dhipavadee Meksawan (ทิพาวดี เมฆสวรรค์) is preparing to use the remaining 20-million-baht budget for helping the flood-hit victims to cope with the flood problems in Si Sa Ket (ศรีสะเกษ) and Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี) provinces. A depression crashed into both provinces on August 5th and destroyed many farmlands and households.

Khunying (คุณหญิง) Dhipavadee had a videoconference with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Director-General and the Governors of Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani to discuss ways to alleviate the flood situation in both provinces. Khunying Dhipavadee says the depression caused heavy rain, forest flood and flash flood. She says the depression killed one person, and more than 27,000 households have been affected.

Khunying Dhipavadee has assigned relevant agencies to assist the flood-stricken villagers in Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani and help them evacuate to higher ground. The remaining 20-million-baht budget for aiding the flood-hit victims will also be used to alleviate the flood situation in both provinces.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

North, upper Northeast, Central and East continue to see rain

The Meteorological Department reported at 04:00 hours today (August 10th) that a trough of active low pressure cell lying across the North and upper Northeast, and the southwest monsoon over Thailand, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is moderate.

Abundant rain remains in the North, upper Northeast and the windward side of the Central and the East. People in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Tak, Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces should beware of flooding conditions in the following few days. Besides, waves with about two to three meters in height are expected in the Andaman Sea, and all ships should proceed with caution.

Meanwhile, Bangkok metropolis and vicinity are expected to see cloudy condition with scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain. The minimum temperature will be 24 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature will be 34 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds will be around 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Schools in Ubon Ratchathani closed due to flooding

Director of the Education Area Region 4 in Ubon Ratchathani (อุบลราชธานี) province, Kowit Plernchit (โกวิท เพลินจิตต์), reveals that continuous heavy rain in many Northeastern provinces resulted in inundation in agricultural areas of more than a thousand rai and three schools which have already temporary closed.

The three schools include Ban Na Chan (บ้านนาจาน), Na Prachum (นาประชุม), and Ban Chang Yang (บ้านแจ้งยาง) in Na Yia (นาเยีย) District.

Mr Kowit adds that the water level of the Yom (ยม) River has flooded roads in three districts, causing troubles to commuters.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

DDPM reports flood situation in many provinces has improved

The Director General of the Department of Disaster Mitigation and Prevention reports that the flood situation in many provinces is ending.

Mr. Anucha Mokawes (อนุชา โมกขะเวส) reports that heavy rain in the last several days has caused flooding in 3-4 provinces. Flooded provinces are recovering, however, save for Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket. The Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, Khunying Dhipavadee Meksawan (ทิพาวดี เมฆสวรรค์) conducted a long-distance conference with governors of both provinces in order to boost morale and inquire on local conditions. The Governors of Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket affirm that the flood situation in their provinces have alleviated, although some areas remain inundated due to continuous rain.

The Director General of the Department of Disaster Mitigation and Prevention revealed that he has instructed officials to remain alert and to evacuate local residents if necessary. Mr. Anucha also called on local officials in flood-prone provinces to establish a surveillance and warning system to monitor weather and water conditions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 August 2007

[Jai Dee]

Eastern Thailand still coping with isolated heavy rain

At 04:00 hours today (August 11th), the Meteorological Department reported that a strong southwest monsoon prevails over Thailand, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. Thundershowers remain in the country while the East will still encounter isolated heavy rain. People in these areas should beware of heavy rain during this period.

Besides, waves of about two to three meters high can be expected in the upper Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. All ships should proceed with caution and small boats need to stay ashore during this period.

Meanwhile, Bangkok metropolis and vicinity will likely see very cloudy condition and scattered thundershowers. The minimum temperature will be 26 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature will be 32 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds will be aroudn 15 to 35 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 August 2007

[Zombienation]

Well the weather has been blustery around Bangkok, but very little rain lately. Hot today too!