20 Provinces Warned Of Heavy Rains, Flash Floods

[george]

20 provinces warned of heavy rains

BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Department Thursday warned residents of 20 provinces to brace themselves for heavy rains and possible flash floods.

The provinces are Phrae, Tak, Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Lop Buri, Sa Kaew, Chanthaburi, Trat, and Phetchaburi.

The department said in its morning forecast that the rains would be unleashed by the influence of a low pressure ridge over the central part of the country coupled with the southwestern monsoon wind over the Andaman and Gulf of Thailand.

-- The Nation 2007-09-20

[Jai Dee]

Flooding hits muang district of Chaiyaphum province

Water is flowing into the muang district of Chaiyaphum province, resulting in widespread inundation.

Heavy rain over the past several days has resulted in overflowing water levels in the Tat Thown (ตาดโตน ) Waterfall National Park, with forest floods and food inundation reported in the Lam Pa Tao (ลำปะทาว) and Huay Yang Pha (ห้วยยางป่า) area. Flooding is reported in the muang district of Chaiyaphum province from late last night until earlier today. Many schools are closing temporarily today. Roadways remain inaccessible to small vehicles.

The Mayor of Chaiyaphum, Mr. Banyong Kietkongchuchai (บรรยงค์ เกียรติก้องชูชัย ) is deploying water pumps throughout the district and is personally overseeing flood mitigation efforts. Continouous water inflows and rain are hampering the work of officials resulting in expectations that the muang district of Chaiyaphum province will continue to be flooded over the next several days.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Department says Thailand continues to face precipitation

The Meteorological Department reported yesterday (September 20th) at 16:00 hours that high pressure causes low pressure over the middle Thailand, and the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand is still intense. Abundant rainfalls with heavy to very heavy rain spread over the country.

People in the risky areas of Phrae, Tak, Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces should beware of flooding conditions during this period. Strong winds and high waves can be expected in the thundershowers areas of the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand. All ships need to proceed with caution and small boats in the upper Gulf are advised to stay ashore during this period.

Meanwhile, Bangkok metropolis and vicinity will likely experience almost widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain. The minimum temperature would be 25 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature would be 33 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds will be around 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Mae Sariang faced severe flooding conditions

Mae Sariang (แม่สะเรียง) district of the northern province of Mae Hong Son (แม่ฮ่องสอน) province encountered severe flooding conditions last night (September 20th) due to heavy rain. Mudslides obstructed bridges and four state highways, and officials took about one hour to remove the road obstacles.

Last night, continuous rainfall set off flooding conditions in many areas of Mae Sariang district. Vehicles could not pass through a number of bridges and roads due to forest floods and mudslides. Nevertheless, officials were deployed to remove the trees and debris that blockaded various routes and motorists can now use the routes normally.

As rain continues to fall in Mae Sariang distirct, motorists are warned to drive more carefully, especially during the night, due to potential road obstructions. However, Disaster Warnings and local rescue teams are ready to facilitate motorists and public members around the clock.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Department warns 17 provinces of flooding conditions

The Meteorological Department reported today (September 21st) at 04:00 hours that a high pressure causes low pressure over the Central, East and upper South of Thailand. The southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, southern Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand is still intense. Abundant rainfalls with heavy to very heavy rain spread over the country.

People in the risky areas of Phrae, Tak, Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachin Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces should beware of flooding conditions during this period. Strong winds and high waves in the thundershowers areas of the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand are likely. All ships need to proceed with caution and small boats in the upper Gulf of Thailand are advised to keep ashore during this period.

Meanwhile, Bangkok metropolis and vicinity are expected to face almost widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rain. The minimum temperature would be 24 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature would be 32 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds would be around 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Royal Irrigation Department prepares to address flood

The Department of Royal Irrigation together relevant agencies held a meeting to discuss water management of Chao Phraya River in the East and measures to tackle flooding conditions for this year.

The Deputy Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, Mr. Peerapong Suwanmontri (พีรพงษ์ สุวรรณมนตรี), chaired the meeting with the subcommittee responsible for managing water of Chao Phraya River in Bangkok and neighboring eastern provinces and other related units. The meeting took place near Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakarn province today (September 21st).

The meeting discussed water problems and solutions, particularly in the areas around Suvarnabhumi Airport. Participants also suggested measures to address potential flood problems for this year due to heavy rain. Besides, the Meteorological Department of Thailand reports that a low is moving from northern Thailand to the central region during the next couple of weeks, and relevant units have to be prepared for increasing rainfall.

Mr. Peerapong says the Royal Irrigation Department is draining the rising water from eastern Chao Phraya River to Nakhon Nayok River, Bang Prakong River and the sea. 44 water pumps and 55 water propulsion machines have been prepared to deal with potential flooding conditions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

80 houses in Phichit hit by flash floods

Phichit - Villagers were evacuated from some 80 houses in a village here early Friday morning following flash floods.

The flash foods hit the Moo 3 village in Tambon Wang-ngiew in Dong Charoen district at 2 am.

Civil disaster mitigation officials rushed to evacuate the villagers with boats after the water continue to rise fast.

Source: The Nation - 21 September 2007

[jayenram]

Two years ago, in order to minimise flooding of the road, new "drains" were installed both sides of the road in our neighbouring village. The drains were 600 mm diameter and ran the length of the village with no discharge, i.e. basically storage reservoirs.

The village road flooded last year.

This year, the village elders decided that further work was needed. They laid what is effectively a layer of 50 mm to dust stone on the concrete pavement, then a layer of soft sand and a further concrete pavement on top, total increase in height of approximately 300 mm. No alterations were made to the drains with the exception of increasing the height of the manholes (manholes at 10 m centres).

The result is that the road surface is now higher than the majority of the surrounding land (where houses are built) so it is unlikely to flood. (It's not quite completed yet).

TiT

[Jai Dee]

DDPM reports on flood conditions in Loei, Phetchabun, and Phitsanulok

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation repoerts that more than 17,005 residents are suffering from flood inundation in Loei, Phetchabun, and Phitsanulok provinces.

Director General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Mr. Anucha Mokawes (อนุชา โมกขะเวส ) reports that low pressure zones from the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand are reacting with southwestern monsoon winds from the southern region, the Gulf of Thailand, and the Andaman Sea, resulting in strong winds and heavy rainfall in the northern and northeastern regions of Thailand, as well as moderate to heavy rain throughout most areas of the nation.

Flooding has been reported in 4 districts, 37 tambons, and 265 villages in Loei, Phetchabun, and Phitsanulok provinces. Floodwater has caused 5 fatalities, 17 injuries, and 1 missing person. 17,005 residents and 5,352 households are suffering from flood inundation. More than 600 households have been evacuated due to rising floodwater. 191 homes, 49,827 rai of agricultural land, 5,352 fishery ponds, and 5 bridges have been affected by the flooding, accounting for over 13.2 million baht in damages.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has instructed its local offices to deploy rescue boats and establish temporary shelter for affected residents. The Director General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has also been authorized to withdraw over 50 million baht in emergency funds in order to assist flood victims.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Water in Mae Sot Reservoir overflows

The water in Mae Sot Reservoir is now flowing 10 centimeters above the drainage ceiling. The Royal Irrigation Department has warned residents nearby Mae Sot Reservoir to closely monitor the water situation.

Royal Irrigation officer Phitsanu Chobpradit (พิษณุ ชอบประดิษฐ์) says continuous rainfall in Mae Sot district of Tak province has caused the quantity of water in Mae Sot Reservoir to overflow. He says the reservoir can hold about 5.5 million cubic meters of water, but the current amount is at 5.6 million cubic meters. He says the water is flowing at a speed of 1.49 cubic meters per second.

However, Mr. Phitsanu says the officials are closely checking the water level of Mae Sot Reservoir, and they have been assigned to report the water situation around the clock.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 21 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan Chumphon and Surat Thani are warned of flooding conditions

The Meteorological Department reported today (September 22nd) at 04:00 hours that high pressure from China causes low pressure over the Central, East and upper South Thailand. The southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is intense.

Abundant rainfalls with heavy rain spread over western Thailand and the South. People in the risky areas of Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces should beware of flooding conditions during this period.

The strong wind-wave in the thundershowers areas of the Andaman Sea and the upper Thai Gulf is likely. All ships need proceed with caution and small boats in the upper Gulf are advised to keep ashore during this period.

Meanwhile, Bangkok metropolis and vicinity will likely encounter scattered thundershowers. The minimum temperature is expected to be 24 degrees Celsius while the maximum temperature would be 31 degrees Celsius. The speed of westerly winds will be around 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Flood situation aggravates in Lop Buri

Many roads in the municipality area in Lop Buri province have been submerged due to continuous heavy rain. At the same time, the water volume of the Pasak Jolasid (ป่าสักชลสิทธิ์) Reservoir is increasing. Irrigation officials working at the reservoir and the Chao Phraya Dam are cooperating to prevent flooding in Bangkok.

The flood water at the roads is higher than 50 centimeters. Small cars cannot use the roads, prompting officials from the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office to build barriers on the roads to prevent traffic accidents.

As for the water situation in the Pasak Jolasid Reservoir, 15 - 20 cubic meters of water flows to the reservoir each day and the water volume is now 412.43 million cubic meters or 42.93 of the capacity. Officials have open only one gate of the reservoir in order to prevent flooding in Bangkok during high tide.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Flooding in Phichit and Ayutthaya subsides

Flooding in Phichit and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces have subsided.

The Interim Dong Charoen (ดงเจริญ ) District Chief Office, Mr. Narongsak Hommalai (ณรงค์ศักดิ์ หอมมาลัย), reports that flooding in Dong Charoen district of Phichit province has subsided, and floodwater should completely dissipate in the next 2 days. Dong Charoen district received considerable floodwater from Phetchabun province while provincial officials are cooperating closely in surveying flood damage and mitigating the suffering of local residents. Mr. Narongsak reports that more than 300 households in his district have been affected by flood inundation.

Meanwhile Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province district chief officer, Sathit Israngoon Na Ayutthaya (สาธิต อิศรางกูล ณ อยุธยา ), reports that provincial officials are coordinating with the Royal Irrigation Department in draining floodwater from agricultural land. Mr. Sathit assured local residents that flooding will be less severe than in previous years.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

RID affirms dams nationwide capable of receiving additional water

The Spokesperson to the Royal Irrigation Department affirms that dams throughout the nation remain capable of accommodating additional water.

Mr. Boonsanong Suchatpong (บุญสนอง สุชาติพงศ์ ) reports that 31 major dams throughout the nation possess total capacities of 55,000 cubic meters, and remain capable of accommodating an additional 10,000 cubic meters of water. The capacity of Bhumibol and Sirikhit Dams are reported to remain sufficient to receive rainwater from thunderstorms during this period. Officials are concerned over low water levels of only 19 percent in Mae Kuang (แม่กวง ) Dam, as the dam may not retain sufficient water for drought seasons.

Meanwhile the Meteorologial Department reports that heavy precipitation is expected and local officials are urged to remain vigilant to natural disasters and to alert local residents accordingly. The Royal Irrigation Department has assigned officials to 24 hour watch despite beliefs that flooding this year will not be as severe as in previous years.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Irrigation Office to release more water from Chao Phraya River

The Office of Regional Irrigation 12 warns residents living at low areas around the Chao Phraya Reservoir against overflowing rivers. The reservoir is expected to increase the amount of water by 20% tomorrow.

Director of the Office of Regional Irrigation 12, Seeporn Maneechote (สี่พร มณีโชติ), discloses that the upper part of the Chao Phraya River has been experiencing continuous rain during the previous week. Meanwhile, rainfall and water from the Northern region are rasing the water level of the river. The office expects that the water volume in Nakhon Sawan province will increase and more water from the Sakae Krang (สะแกกรัง) River in Uthai Thani province will also flow to the Chao Phraya River.

The director says the office will release water of about 1,800 cubic meters per second from the Chao Phraya Reservoir which might affect the nearby areas.

However, the director says the office has prepared 85 feed pumps to assist the residents. People in the provinces of Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, and Ayutthaya are encouraged to request assistance from the authorities immediately if their residences submerge.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2007

[Jai Dee]

Sing Buri Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation caution local residents of possible flooding

The Sing Buri Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation cautioned local residents living along the banks of the Chao Phraya River to remain vigilant due to possible flooding during this period.

The head of the Sing Buri Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. San Soisang (สันต์ สร้อยแสง), revealed that fluctuations in weather, and monsoon season influences, are causing heavy precipitation during this period. All provinces of Thailand, especially northern region provinces of Tak, Sukhothai, Nan, Phichit, and Phitsanulok are advised to monitor against flooding.

Meanwhile officials are also closely monitoring water levels in the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province and to release water appropriately in order to ensure that the dam does not overflow. Residents living on the banks of the Chao Phraya River behind floodgates of the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, and Ayutthaya provinces are advised to monitor the river's water levels and to review weather reports in order to guard against possible flooding and to evacuate safely in the event of flooding.

Residents living in high risk areas can also log in to the www.cdpm2.com/sbr/ website in order to receive information on dam and river conditions. Sing Buri residents who wish to report flood inundation or flood risks may contact the Sing Buri Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation at 083-650-7129 or the disaster hot line number 1784.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2007

[waveydavey]

Sing Buri Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation caution local residents of possible flooding

The Sing Buri Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation cautioned local residents living along the banks of the Chao Phraya River to remain vigilant due to possible flooding during this period.

The head of the Sing Buri Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Mr. San Soisang (สันต์ สร้อยแสง), revealed that fluctuations in weather, and monsoon season influences, are causing heavy precipitation during this period. All provinces of Thailand, especially northern region provinces of Tak, Sukhothai, Nan, Phichit, and Phitsanulok are advised to monitor against flooding.

Meanwhile officials are also closely monitoring water levels in the Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat province and to release water appropriately in order to ensure that the dam does not overflow. Residents living on the banks of the Chao Phraya River behind floodgates of the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, and Ayutthaya provinces are advised to monitor the river's water levels and to review weather reports in order to guard against possible flooding and to evacuate safely in the event of flooding.

Residents living in high risk areas can also log in to the www.cdpm2.com/sbr/ website in order to receive information on dam and river conditions. Sing Buri residents who wish to report flood inundation or flood risks may contact the Sing Buri Office of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation at 083-650-7129 or the disaster hot line number 1784.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2007

Strange they should mention Nan province. I live there and I haven't seen a cloud for 4 days. In fact we've got a dose of hot season smog.....