Floods Paralyse Chumphon, Koh Samui, Surat Thani

[george]

Flooding disrupts Surat Thani province

SURAT THANI: -- Flooding hit the southernprovince of Surat Thani, including the tourist island of Samui, even as Bangkok, the capital, braces for the peak level of the Chao Phraya River next Sunday.

In the southern province of Surat Thani, the Tapi River has risen to 5.21 metres, one metre above the crisis level. The overflowing river has inundated houses in Phrasaeng district, according to the head of the local meteorological center.

Floodwaters are 1-1.5 metres deep and the water level is likely to increase due to continuing rain.

On the tourist island of Samui, downpours in the past few days have caused floods on a portion of the ring roads encircling the island. However, the municipality can drain water from areas near tourist beaches -- Chaweng and Lamai beaches -- so there are no flood problems there.

Local officials are closely watching the situation and have issued warnings of possible landslides in disaster prone areas.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Bannasophit Mekwichai warned that the water level in the Chao Phraya River will reach 1.75 metres at 4.30pm, which will affect people living outside the the municipality's flood walls.

Moreover, she said the Chao Phraya River will peak at 1.90-2 metres on Sunday, so residents should move belongings and electrical plugs and sockets to higher ground.

The Department of Drainage and Sewerage built footbridges in flood-prone areas and sandbag embankments are reinforced to be able to withstand water levels as high as 2.5 metres.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot said 50 medical mobile units have provided service to flood-hit areas in 15 provinces for almost two weeks.

The number of patients suffering from water-borne diseases was recorded at 40,218 persons, with athlete's foot, fever, rashes, and insomnia cases holding the first four places.

--TNA 2007-10-22

[mrt273nva]

it rained A LOT today. it was annoying.

[lazeeboy]

it rained A LOT today. it was annoying.

i've had water in my kichen all day

[hkt83100]

it rained A LOT today. it was annoying.

Misty and quite cool here (Phuket), but still ok, raining about 2 hours per day.

[lazeeboy]

it rained A LOT today. it was annoying.

Misty and quite cool here (Phuket), but still ok, raining about 2 hours per day.

still raining .im living in a wet ground hog day ....

[game4shame]

On the tourist island of Samui, downpours in the past few days have caused floods on a portion of the ring roads encircling the island. However, the municipality can drain water from areas near tourist beaches -- Chaweng and Lamai beaches -- so there are no flood problems there.

I'd be surprised if chaweng was dry if there's flooding on the ring road.

iirc chaweng is a nighmare for flooding. a canoe is required on the beach road if someone spills a bottle of water.

[Mid]

^

might have been true on the 22nd .

[george]

Floods paralyse Chumphon, Surat Thani

SURAT THANI: -- Schools in Muang Chump-hon Municipality were closed yesterday after heavy downpours on Tuesday night caused severe flooding, while Surat Thani's Phrasaeng district has been declared a disaster zone.

Chumphon's seven districts, including the provincial seat, were flooded and flat-bottomed boats were used to distribute relief supplies, while landslide warnings were issued in disaster-prone areas.

The floods covered many roads in the Muang Chum-phon Municipality affecting Sriyapai School, Chomphon Technical College and Chum-phonkhet-udomsak Hospital.

The municipality's mayor, Srichai Weeranorapanit, task-ed authorities to install pumps to drain floodwater out of the area and clear drainage.

Meanwhile, vehicles had to take bypass roads as the main highway in Chumphon linking Bangkok and the southern provinces was inundated following the rains on Tuesday.

Chumphon governor Manit Wattansen said the Asia Highway was inundated between kilometre markers 43 to 44 and the water level was about 70 centimetres to 1 metre. Southbound motorists were directed to turn right to Ranong at the Pathom Muang Intersection while Bangkok-bound motorists were asked to make the left turn to Ranong at Pato Intersection in Lang Suang district.

In Surat Thani, provincial governor Winai Buapradit continued the disaster zone listing for Phrasaeng district as non-stop rain caused the Tapi River to overflow.

In Koh Samui district, beachfront roads at Chawang Beach and nearby areas were covered by a metre of floodwater, while a stretch of the ring road circling the island was also flooded. Officials used two pumps to drain water into Klong Chaweng.

Koh Samui Mayor Wara-korn Rattanarat said though the flood was not as severe as in 2005, it was still worrying because there were many structures now blocking natural drainage outlets.

In Chaiya and Tha Chang districts, many stretches of roads were under 50cm of water, while residents piled up sandbags to protect their homes. Following the incident of a runoff that killed eight people on October 13, the Khao Sok National Park is now closed until the end of the rainy season.

-- The Nation 2007-10-25

[george]

Flooding in southern provinces after torrential rain

SURAT THANI: -- The southern provinces of Surat Thani and Chumphon have been hit by flood, and the flood situation on the tourist island of Samui remains worrisome.

Beachfront roads at Chawang Beach and nearby commercial areas have been submerged under one metre of water, while a portion of the ring roads encircling the island are also covered by a 30 cm flood.

In a village in Phrasaeng district, floodwater is two metres deep and in Don Sak district, the district chief said that officials have opened sluice gates to drain water into the sea to prevent further flooding.

The governor asserted that releasing water from the waterways won't affect villagers downstream who expressed concern about possible overflowing water.

In Chumphon, flooding has extended to seven districts, including the provincial seat, and flatboats have been used to distribute over 1,000 sets of relief supplies to affected villagers. Landslide warnings have been issued disaster-prone areas.

In Thung Tako district, part of a highway linking the central region and the south is under one metre water and is impassable.

Flash flooding in downtown Chumphon was eased by pumping water into a nearby river, and diverting traffic to a beachfront road.

In Sawi district, a landslide blocked an entrance of a village and electric poles fell over in the wake of torrential rain, while in Lang Suan district, the main hospital has been flooded. Patients and medical equipment were evacuated to higher ground.

Chumphon governor Manit Wattanasen led officials to help flood victims. Initial reports said over 1,000 houses and infrastructure, including bridges, roads, government offices, as well as farmlands have been inundated and damaged. The damage is being evaluated.

--TNA 2007-10-25

[ddunlop]

Messy in Koh Phangan too:

[moskito]

Messy in Koh Phangan too:

so all in all nothing new, NOTHING CHANGED, weather is still normal. Its the same like every year at this time.

Its getting worst every year at Phuket a bit, as the rainwater from mountains can not run the usual ways anymore.

To much humans build to much walls and higher their land. Billion Dollar Prject in former Ricefields (((-:

[JimsKnight]

Was on Koh Tao in 05, very miserable and grim time during the floods. The locals said then that the REALLY bad one was in 2002-3 when food became very scarce (plenty of water though!) as the supply boats were stuck at port for nearly 3 weeks until the weather calmed down!

I vowed never to visit the islands during this part of rainy season! Must better inland

[george]

Update:

Two drown, 20,000 homes flooded in Chumphon

CHUMPHON: -- A seven-year-old boy has become Thailand's latest flood victim, have drowned in the flood in the southern Gulf of Thailand province of Chumphon, bringing the current death toll to two persons, while more than 20,000 houses in the province have been affected by the flooding.

The body of the child was found in the provincial seat.

According to the local disaster prevention and mitigation office, eight districts have been hard-hit by one to two metre deep floodwaters, with damages estimated at Bt50 million (about US$1.5 million).

Forest run-off from the Tanaosri mountain range caused flooding in the province.

A portion of highway in Sawi district is under one metre of floodwater, impeding traffic movements, and causing congestion. Roads in the provincial seat are partly covered by 50 cm of floodwater.

Meanwhile, the Department of Drainage and Sewerage of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration warned riverside residents of possible flooding as the Chao Phraya River will peak at 1.92 metres Thurday afternoon due to the high tide.

Affected residents may telephone the call center of the department at 0-2248-5115, in case emergency aid is needed.

--TNA 2007-10-25

[astral]

I remember seeing water marks in a shop in the south showing levels

over 1 metre, and that was 20 years ago.

Why oh Why is nothing done to manage the floods that occur every year?????????

[lazeeboy]

I remember seeing water marks in a shop in the south showing levels

over 1 metre, and that was 20 years ago.

Why oh Why is nothing done to manage the floods that occur every year?????????

early this year they dug up the lake road and put some kind of drainade in ,still flooded today ,is it that they dont know what they are doing ,or just digging holes and poxketing the money ...

[Girlaboutglobe]

Drainage is always going to be a difficult task in these low-lying, flat areas. I'm constantly amazed that it drains as fast as it does with rain as heavy as we get. That and people just love being near, and even out on top of, the water. I'm going to go have a look at the water level here in Nonthaburi in a bit. Remind me to look for a second or higher floor apartment.

[peperobi]

For your information two picture that I toke on 24/10 in Chaweng

[Girlaboutglobe]

That's some nasty business. How are you guys out there managing to cope with it? There's not a whole lot you can do until the water level goes down, huh? I had a flood in my house back home once, not fun. I feel for you and sure hope your homes are concrete and without any carpet.

[Nickel]

Flooding disrupts Surat Thani province

SURAT THANI: -- Flooding hit the southernprovince of Surat Thani, including the tourist island of Samui, even as Bangkok, the capital, braces for the peak level of the Chao Phraya River next Sunday.

In the southern province of Surat Thani, the Tapi River has risen to 5.21 metres, one metre above the crisis level. The overflowing river has inundated houses in Phrasaeng district, according to the head of the local meteorological center.

Floodwaters are 1-1.5 metres deep and the water level is likely to increase due to continuing rain.

On the tourist island of Samui, downpours in the past few days have caused floods on a portion of the ring roads encircling the island. However, the municipality can drain water from areas near tourist beaches -- Chaweng and Lamai beaches -- so there are no flood problems there.

Local officials are closely watching the situation and have issued warnings of possible landslides in disaster prone areas.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Bannasophit Mekwichai warned that the water level in the Chao Phraya River will reach 1.75 metres at 4.30pm, which will affect people living outside the the municipality's flood walls.

Moreover, she said the Chao Phraya River will peak at 1.90-2 metres on Sunday, so residents should move belongings and electrical plugs and sockets to higher ground.

The Department of Drainage and Sewerage built footbridges in flood-prone areas and sandbag embankments are reinforced to be able to withstand water levels as high as 2.5 metres.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Public Health Dr. Prat Boonyawongvirot said 50 medical mobile units have provided service to flood-hit areas in 15 provinces for almost two weeks.

The number of patients suffering from water-borne diseases was recorded at 40,218 persons, with athlete's foot, fever, rashes, and insomnia cases holding the first four places.

--TNA 2007-10-22

[/quote

Move electrical sockets !!!!

Athletes foot and insomnia !!!!

It's gotta be Thailand

[moskito]

I remember seeing water marks in a shop in the south showing levels

over 1 metre, and that was 20 years ago.

Why oh Why is nothing done to manage the floods that occur every year?????????

Someone ever been in Singapore ?? they have the same weatherconditions over there but its never bad

like it is here. There is a very well planned channelsystems because THEY LEARN from things happend.

Seems Thaippl forget the flood always after it`s gone.......until next year

in rainy season we cry ohhhh too much water

in dry season we cry ohhhh not enough water

somethings wrong thought

[ZukiSuzuki]

Why oh Why is nothing done to manage the floods that occur every year?????????

Because flood defence systems are extremely expensive and most developing countries including Thailand simply can not afford them.

[peterjohn]

Every one seems to think that Thailand consists of the lower prtion of Thailand what is happening in the north east

[LaoPo]

Why oh Why is nothing done to manage the floods that occur every year?????????

Because flood defence systems are extremely expensive and most developing countries including Thailand simply can not afford them.

Water defense systems, yes indeed expensive, but water GUIDING systems are not and easy to implement.

What Samui is lacking are the 'infamous' non-existing financial funds; they go to the Provincial mainland in Surat Thani...a long discussed subject here on TV.

LaoPo

[scotwumman]

Every one seems to think that Thailand consists of the lower prtion of Thailand what is happening in the north east

If anything was happening in the northeast this report just shows that we would have been notified - makes this a valuable info source, or am I just being selfish as am bound for Koh Samui in a few weeks time

[B-BOY]

QUOTE (astral @ 2007-10-25 12:58:53)

Why oh Why is nothing done to manage the floods that occur every year?????????

Because flood defence systems are extremely expensive and most developing countries including Thailand simply can not afford them

Because its not in budget this year and maybe not next year but......seems buying 12 Swedish fighter jets for 34 Billion Baht is of more importance right now..

[astral]

Someone ever been in Singapore ?? they have the same weatherconditions over there but its never bad

like it is here. There is a very well planned channelsystems because THEY LEARN from things happend.

Seems Thaippl forget the flood always after it`s gone.......until next year

I think you will find the British built the deep drains in Singapore and Malaysia.

The Thais never have been ones for learning from others.

[moskito]

Someone ever been in Singapore ?? they have the same weatherconditions over there but its never bad

like it is here. There is a very well planned channelsystems because THEY LEARN from things happend.

Seems Thaippl forget the flood always after it`s gone.......until next year

I think you will find the British built the deep drains in Singapore and Malaysia.

The Thais never have been ones for learning from others.

maybe they never needed someone from outside to learn because THEY know everything already ((-:

Its the same with everything here in LOS.... things will work hopefully a bit better after there is the new system.

Anyway, channels and streets cost money...in a country where nearly everybody refuse to pay tax not easy to

manage......

[maipleur]

I totally agree with the above statements. It rains and floods every year, you would think somebody would of thought about doing something about it.

All this water and as someone else posted, they run out in the dry season storage anyone? mandatory guttering / storage tanks on all new builds?

There is no money in giving to the people I suppose.

Edited October 25, 2007 by maipleur

[phutoie2]

Why oh Why is nothing done to manage the floods that occur every year?????????

Because flood defence systems are extremely expensive and most developing countries including Thailand simply can not afford them.

Oh yep!!, still can go out and purchase a bunch of Swedish jet fighters and some new armoured cars costing how many billion???

[moskito]

I totally agree with the above statements. It rains and floods every year, you would think somebody would of thought about doing something about it.

All this water and as someone else posted, they run out in the dry season storage anyone? mandatory guttering / storage tanks on all new builds?

There is no money in giving to the people I suppose.

Water storage tanks in new buildings ?? are you kidding?? Even the billion baht NEW Hotel Projects in Kata and Karon doesnt have storage systems or doesnt use them. Its easier or cheaper for them to order WATER BY TRUCKS....so there is an endless chain of watersupply trucks on the roads here. ANOYING but SOMEONE makes good money with it ((((((-: