Surat Thani Declared Emergency Zone For Floods

[george]

Surat Thani declared emergency zone for floods

SURAT THANI: -- Two districts in Surat Thani have been declared an emergency zone for floods.

Its governor Winai Buapradit said at a television programme on Tuesday morning that days of consecutive rain had caused extensive damage to Vibhavadi and Khiri Ratthanikhom districts, affecting some 500 people.

Major roads in parts of these districts have been submerged in 1.5 metres of water. Boats are being used in heavily-affected areas to transport locals in and out of their homes.

-- Bangkok Post 2008-05-13

[Samuian]

Warning

""

No. 8 (72/2551) Time Issued : May 12, 2008

Intense low pressure cell in the Mataban’s Gulf, Myanmar causes monsoon trough over Central and Eastern Thailand is intensify. Abundance rains with isolated heavy fall are likely over the areas especially windward of southwest monsoon in the region of North, Central, East and South. People in risk areas should beware of hazardous weather in this period. Areas include the following provinces: Tak, Kamphaengphet, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Chumphon, Ranong, Phangnga and Phuket.

High waves above 2 meters still occur in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf. All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats should keep ashore during 12-15 May.

Thai Met Dep.

[george]

Seasonal flood hits Surat Thani

SURAT THANI: -- Flooding for the second day is still worrisome in the southern province of Surat Thani, while about 180 villages in the northern province of Uttaradit is prone to flash flood and land slide.

In Surat Thani, the floodwaters are rising in two districts, both hit by flash floods.

The water depth in some areas has reached 1.5 metres. Several roads were cut and about 800 acres of farmland were damaged.

The flood has expanded to the Tha Chang district and affected 20 houses. The flood is expected to recede if there is no more rain.

Local authorities have distributed relief supplies to villagers in flood-hit areas and issued a warning of possible flash flood and landslide in at-risk areas.

In Uttaradit, the disaster prevention and mitigation office conducted a survey and found 178 villages in the mountainous area are prone to flash flood and landslide, particularly in three districts -- Muang, Lablae and Tha Pla-- struck by the disaster in May 2006.

It warned local authorities and villagers in those at-risk areas to brace for flash floods, which can occur if there is incessant heavy rain and to check the warning system to make sure it is in good condition.

--TNA 2008-05-13

[george]

Rain and landslides bring chaos to South

SURAT THANI: -- Heavy rains Tuesday caused flash floods in three Surat Thani districts and neighbouring Krabi and Trang have been warned of possible landslides.

In Uttaradit in the lower North, where scores of people were killed from landslides and flash floods in 2006, 178 villages have been warned they face similar disasters.

Flood levels are 1.50-metres high in Vibhavadi and Khirirat Nikhom districts in the southern Surat Thani province. Around 500-rai of farmland and 300 households are flooded in Phanom district. No casualties have been reported in the province.

In Uttaradit, 178 villagers facing a landslide risk are located at the foot of the hilly areas in Muang, Lablae and Tha Pla district. Landslide warning have also been announced in Krabi and Trang.

-- The Nation 2008-05-13