Storm Warning For North, Northeast Thailand

[macduff]

Thank god our house is near udon thani airport. Those aircraft must be blowing the storm away

[technocracy]

Well all I can say is the TSR is pretty ###### accurate! They said it would be blown out 24hrs later and here we are!

Vientiane today has been occasional showers and this morning a relatively strong winds otherwise nothing extreme to report.

[Spee]

Over 1,100 families in Phichit hit by floods

PHICHIT: -- A total of 1,199 famiiles in a district of Phichit have been hit by floods, a district chief said Friday.

Decha Chomdej, chief of Thabklo district, said flood waters hit many villages in the district at 10 am following several days of torrential rains.

He samd some parts of the roads linking the villages were under one to two-metre-high of waters and became impassable.

-- The Nation 2007-10-05

Our place is on the western edge of Phetchabun province close to Phichit province. My girl tells me the rains and floods have been pretty bad. Her cousin's truck got washed away. Some relatives' houses have been severely damaged or destroyed and they are staying at our place. Our house is about a meter above the rest of the area, but she said there was still a lot of water around. I'm anxiously awaiting for her brother to email some pictures to me, and hoping that the damage to our place is minimal.

Haven't gotten any pictures yet, but my girl tells me that nearby towns of Wang Pong and Chon Daen have experienced flooding of several meters, up to 5-6 meters in places. Schools were closed. She says main road from Chon Daen to Phetchabun and Taphan Hin (#113) is not passable.

[george]

Update:

Flood in lower north expected to recede soon

BANGKOK: -- Flooding in low-lying areas and rising water levels in rivers in the lower northern provinces will return to normal in the next few days if there is no more heavy rainfall, according to Boonsanong Suchartpong, a spokesman of the Royal Irrigation Department.

Recent heavy rains were caused by tropical depression Lekima, which was downgraded to low pressure cell.

In Phetchabun, the overflowing Pasak River has flooded the municipality in Lom Sak district. However, the flood has gradually receded and is expected to return to normal in a few days.

In Lampang, forest run-off, which inundated ten villages in Mae Phrik district, has now receded. One home and a bridge were damaged, while about 350 acres of crops were destroyed, with the cost of the damage estimated at one million baht.

In Uttaradit, incessant rains triggered abnormal levels of forest run-off in creeks in the provincial seat, where some area were hit by mudslide last year.

A 50-house area in one village has been cut off because part of a road and a bridge were damaged by flash flood.

In Chiang Mai, the governor said he ordered all areas to be on alert of flash flood and landslide due to continuous rain.

However, two major dams in the province have capacity to keep the large amount of water for the dry season.

The northern meteorological office forecast thunder storm and strong wind in the upper northern provinces.

The Royal Irrigation Department is working with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to drop draining water from the two major dams in lower northern provinces of Tak and Uttaradit from 14 million cubic metres to eight million cubic metres to reduce the amount of northern run-off flowing to Thailand's midregion.

--TNA 2007=10-05

[Jai Dee]

Lekima continues to wreak havoc

Run-offs from other areas add to misery after days of rain

Flooding persisted in many North, upper Central and Northeast provinces yesterday following several days of rain brought by Typhoon Lekima.

In Muang district of Uttaradit, Thonglor Suno, the village headman of Ban Haiha in tambon Bandan Nakham, said forest floods destroyed a bridge and road in the village, marooning 50 families. Assistance is being provided.

Laplae district chief Banyat Jaikham reported residents living near Mae Prong, Mae Pool and Huai Khambi canals had moved to high ground as run-off from the waterways continued.

Agriculture official Surapol Jarupong said the flooding in Phitsanulok's Noen Maprang district, which was declared a disaster zone on Friday, was the "worst in 40 years". So far it has damaged 25,400 rai of farmland.

The Public Health Ministry yesterday sent 20,000 packages of medical supplies to the province and another 2,000 to Nong Khai.

In Phichit, 95 villages in 12 tambon in Thab Khlo, Sak Lek and Wang Sai Phun districts are flooded, affecting more than 2,000 households.

In Wang Sai Phun district water from Phetchabun and Phitsanulok has put 21 villages in four tambon under one-metre flooding. More than 1,000 households are affected and many roads damaged. Officials using boats have been bringing assistance to residents.

Forest run-off from Doi Luang National Park in Phan district of Chiang Rai has hit 640 households at Ban Pa Khaem village and Ban Thung Pakkud in tambon Pahoong. Officials used heavy machinery to clear logs, branches and debris brought by floodwater. Residents built sandbag barriers to protect Wat Pa Khaem.

In neighbouring Lamphun, floodwaters hit four tambons in Li district damaging farmland and a road.

To prevent flooding in the Chao Phya River basin the Royal Irrigation Department asked the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand to reduce water release from the Bhumibol and Sirikit dams from a total of 14 million cubic metres a day to eight million cubic metres, spokesman Boonsanong Suchatpong said.

In the Northeast province of Kalasin, irrigation officials are releasing water from the Lampao Dam at a rate of 25 million cubic metres a day.

The dam is at 99-per-cent capacity following heavy rain, said Governor Prachajit Sutthiphol. He said 100,000 rai of farmland was flooded and 18 districts had been declared disaster zones.

Loei disaster prevention chief Suthep Maneechot yesterday reported that all 14 of the Northeast province's districts suffered some flooding, affecting more than 112,000 residents and damaging 31,900 rai of farmland, 860 roads and 700 sewers. Damage is estimated at Bt12 million.

In related news, Mineral Resources Department director-general Apichai Chawacharoenphan warned people living in valleys and mountainous areas and along waterways in Chiang Mai, Tak, Mae Hong Son, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phrae, Lampang and Lamphun to prepare for possible flash floods and landslides.

The Meteorological Department at 4am yesterday warned that a moderate south-west monsoon prevailed over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand causing thundershowers with isolated heavy rain.

It advised travellers to check weather forecasts before departing for Taiwan, which is in the path of Typhoon Krosa.

Source: The Nation - 07 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

400 families marooned as flash floods hit north

Flash flood hits part of a main road, leading to northern and northeastern region while more than 400 families in the lower northern province of Phitsanulok were cut off.

As of Sunday, the floods in Wang Thong district claimed the lives of three villagers, including a nine-year-old boy, whose body was found on Sunday.

About two kilometres of the Nakhon Thai-Chartrakarn Road, a main road leading to the north and northeast, has been under two-metre flooding. The road is impassable and signs banning traffic have been placed to inform motorists to change to another route.

Flash floods also hit some 400 homes. Government workers used flatboats to evacuate villages In Chiang Rai, and two districts of Mae Chan and Chiang Saen which have been flooded.

These areas are flooded every year and flooding causes damage to farmlands.

The overflowing Mae Chan River has flooded low-lying areas in two districts. About 700 houses have been inundated.

Chiang Rai governor Preecha Kamolbutr said he would meet Monday with agencies concerned to find solutions to the flood problem.

Source: TNA - 08 October 2007

[Jai Dee]

Flood situation in Phitsanulok improves

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn grants 1,500 supplies to flood victims in Phitsanulok province.

The victims are from three districts, including Wang Thong (วังทอง), Noen Maprang (เนินมะปราง), and Nakhon Thai (นครไทย).

The flood situation in the province has improved. Flood water in most of the submerged areas has receded, except those in the districts of Wang Thong, Bang Krathum (บางกระทุ่ม), and Mueang (เมือง). At least three schools in Wang Thong district have been temporary closed and the students’ examinations have been postponed.

As for the Chat Trakan (ชาติตระการ) – Nakhon Thai route, it is still submerged with water as high as two meters. Some parts of he Dong Khoy (ดงข่อย) – Bang Saphan (บางสะพาน) route are flooded. Three motorcycles were swept out of the road yesterday due to strong current.

More than 7,000 households and 56,000 agricultural areas were damaged by the flood. The death toll was three.

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

[Jai Dee]

Lower temperature in North and Northeast while Central and East still see heavy rain

The Meteorological Deparment reported at 04:00 hours today (October 9th) that a moderate high pressure from China has extended to northeastern and northern Thailand. Temperature will be lower in the North and Northeast, with morning light fog. The southwest monsoon remains over the Andaman Sea, central Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. Thundershowers with isolated heavy rain are expected over Central, East and southern Thailand.

Bangkok metropolis and vicinity will likely encounter scattered 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 easterly winds will be around 10 to 30 kilometers per hour.

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

[Jai Dee]

Lekima has left 5 districts in Roi-Et inundated

Roi Et Governor Pinich Pichaikan (พินิจ พิชยกัลป์) has led his entourage to assist residents of 5 districts in RoiEt province who have suffered inundation caused by the depression Lekima.

Heavy rains brought on by the Lekima depression have caused flooding in 5 different districts of Roi Et province which has raised concerns in the governor of diseases such as pink eye and dissentry. The governor has instructed Roi Et Protection and Relief member Dumri Wachirodom (ดำริ วชิโรดม) to assist residents and monitor health risks.

Long terms solutions have been planned in the form of fund allocations to help residents cultivate plants that will prevent flooding.

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

[Jai Dee]

Kalasin Governor affirms that Lampao Dam is secure

Governor of Kalasin Pracha Jitsutipol (ประชา จิตสุทธิผล) has stated that upon inspection of the Lampao Dam and reports from Director of Water Distribution and Lampao Maintenance Director Pornthep Mengpramoon (พรเทพ เหม็งประมูล) he can assure the public that the dam is still very strong and secure.

Mr. Pracha stated that though there is currently 1,660 million cubic meters of water in the 1,430 million cubic meter storage area totaling 200 million cubic meters exceeding capacity no problems have arisen. He speculates that if there is no heavy rain in the next 7 days, conditions will return to normal.

At the moment though, agricultural areas in surrounding districts of the dam have been flooded with 100,000 rai of land being flooded. 5,495 rai of that amount has been irreparably damaged.

The Kalasin Governor affirms assistance for those affected but states that the dam is still fulfilling its duty. Nonetheless, residents of the area should monitor news updates.

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

[Liem]

GEORGE,

your report earlier,

"Nakhon Panom Governor Boonsanong Boonmee warned residents in Muang Nakhon Phanom, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Thom, Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, and That Phanom districts of flash floods and high winds.

The province was already soaked by heavy rains disrupting transport, while lowlying homes and roads were flooded. Gusting winds had also damaged three billboards."

has raised concerns for the safety of my fiance and her family whom live in the farm village between Ban Phaeng and Tha Uthen ans Si Songkram. I beieve her village is Noonsawan. Could u please find more information and post them as i have very little references to look at. I live in Melbourne, Australia, and have had no luck in contacting my fiance. I fear for her, and her familys well being. My efforts in contacting her by phone have no luck since 7th October.

Please George or anyone else that read this, help me in obtaining more information.

I will be planning a trip to Thailand on the 20th october in search of her.

From a concerned and depressed fiance,

[plachon]

GEORGE,

your report earlier,

"Nakhon Panom Governor Boonsanong Boonmee warned residents in Muang Nakhon Phanom, Na Kae, Si Songkhram, Na Thom, Ban Phaeng, Tha Uthen, and That Phanom districts of flash floods and high winds.

The province was already soaked by heavy rains disrupting transport, while lowlying homes and roads were flooded. Gusting winds had also damaged three billboards."

has raised concerns for the safety of my fiance and her family whom live in the farm village between Ban Phaeng and Tha Uthen ans Si Songkram. I beieve her village is Noonsawan. Could u please find more information and post them as i have very little references to look at. I live in Melbourne, Australia, and have had no luck in contacting my fiance. I fear for her, and her familys well being. My efforts in contacting her by phone have no luck since 7th October.

Please George or anyone else that read this, help me in obtaining more information.

I will be planning a trip to Thailand on the 20th october in search of her.

From a concerned and depressed fiance,

Don't worry Liem, there's nothing to be concerned about - she's probably just out fishing.

That area of Nakhon Phanom floods EVERY year without fail and this year the floods have just come a bit late that's all. There are NO flash floods in that area and the governor is just talking out his rectum. If he claims "flash flooding" it just increases his chace of getting a nice cash windfall from the Min of Interior, that's all. The reason your fiance is not answering your calls is nothing to do with the rain or floods, unless she dropped her mobile phone in the water while out fishing!

[Liem]

Don't worry Liem, there's nothing to be concerned about - she's probably just out fishing.

That area of Nakhon Phanom floods EVERY year without fail and this year the floods have just come a bit late that's all. There are NO flash floods in that area and the governor is just talking out his rectum. If he claims "flash flooding" it just increases his chace of getting a nice cash windfall from the Min of Interior, that's all. The reason your fiance is not answering your calls is nothing to do with the rain or floods, unless she dropped her mobile phone in the water while out fishing!

i hope so. But do you actually know or are guessing? and also, its not the fact that she is not answering, there no ring tone at all, no service i assume.

[plachon]

Don't worry Liem, there's nothing to be concerned about - she's probably just out fishing.

That area of Nakhon Phanom floods EVERY year without fail and this year the floods have just come a bit late that's all. There are NO flash floods in that area and the governor is just talking out his rectum. If he claims "flash flooding" it just increases his chace of getting a nice cash windfall from the Min of Interior, that's all. The reason your fiance is not answering your calls is nothing to do with the rain or floods, unless she dropped her mobile phone in the water while out fishing!

i hope so. But do you actually know or are guessing? and also, its not the fact that she is not answering, there no ring tone at all, no service i assume.

I know that she is not being affected by flash flooding, as it is the wrong term for the type of flooding that occurs on those very flat lands which flood slowly and predictably each year. But I am guessing as to why she is not answering your calls. It could be any one of a hundred reasons from broken phone to losing it to problems with the service provider. Presuming she is on a mobile and not a landline, then you don't need to worry about winds bringing down the line and the floods are just an excuse for everyone to go out fishing, so why don't you write and berate her for making you worry. Melbourne to Nakhon Phanom shouldn't take any longer than 5-7 days.