Typhoon-related Flooding Hits Northern Provinces

[george]

Typhoon-related flooding hits northern provinces

NAN: -- Floodwaters from the raging Nan River have inundated the provincial seat in this northern province, as Thailand's northern and upper northeastern regions are still influenced by tropical storm Kammuri, which left a path of turmoil and destruction as it passed Hong Kong and into northern Vietnam late Thursday before producing floods in northern Thailand.

According to the national meteorological service, the low pressure trough across northern and upper northeastern Thailand through tropical depression "Kammuri", downgraded from typhoon to storm over Hanoi late Thursday.

Heavy rainfall is expected in many provinces, especially risky areas such as Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Tak, Loei, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu and Nakhon Phanom where flood warnings have been issued.

Continuous rain and critical level of the Nan River pose a flood threat to the municipality. Four villages in low-lying areas are under floodwaters. Officials from the disaster prevention and mitigation office used flat-bottomed boats to evacuate local residents to higher ground.

Thawat Phetweera, a senior official of Nan's provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office said the water level is likely to stablise if there is no more rain. However, the authorities here in Nan and around the affected regions must monitor the situation closely for the next few days due to influence from tropical depression Kammuri.

Meanwhile a heavy southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is causing heavy rain some area in Thailand's west coastal South and on the East coast where high waves of 2-4 metres are reported. All ships are advised to proceed with caution, especially small craft in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand, which should remain ashore on Friday and Saturday.

-- TNA 2008-08-08

[Jai Dee]

Heavy rain in North and upper Northeast

The Meteorological Department reported at 4am on Friday that a trough of low pressure lies across northern and upper northeastern Thailand, and tropical depression KAMMURI has downgraded over Hanoi, Vietnam. Heavy rain is expected in northern and upper northeastern Thailand.

People in the risky areas of Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Tak, Loei, Nong Khai, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu and Nakhon Phanom provinces should beware of flooding conditions.

An intense southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand causes heavy rain is the western coast of the southern and eastern regions. High waves of about two to four meters are present. All ships should proceed with caution, and small boats especially in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf of Thailand are advised to keep ashore during during this period.

Bangkok metropolis and vicinity can expect scattered thundershowers and isolated heavy rain. The daily temperature would range from 25 to 33 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds would be around 15 to 30 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 August 2008

[george]

Nan declares six flood-hit districts flood disaster zone areas

NAN: -- The northern province of Nan has declared six districts as disaster zone areas, where almost 1,000 homes have been affected by flooding.

Thawat Phetweera, head of the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office said the two-day flood initially caused damage worth more than Bt6 million, inundating more than 4,800 acres of farmland.

Surapon Thiensut, mayor of Nan municipality, said that provincial workers distributed relief supplies to villagers in flood-stricken areas. While most villagers were able to move their belongings to higher ground in time, some schools near the Nan River were forced to close.

Meanwhile, the Public Health Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said that there have been no reports of casualties from the flood in seven districts of Nan so far.

The minister said he ordered the provincial public health office to dispatch 15 mobile medical teams to help flood victims and to distribute basic medicines to them.

-- TNA 2008-08-08

[Scott]

Best of luck to the people affected.

[Jai Dee]

Mekong rising, only 1.33 meters from flooding

The Mukdahan Office of Hydrology Survey reports that water levels in the Mekong River today have risen and is only 1.33 meters from critical flooding levels.

Mukdahan Deputy Governor Prachakchit Apiwath reveals that the Mukdahan Office of Hydrology Survey has warned that water levels in the local Mekong River has reached 11.23 meters, only 1.33 meters from the river's critical level of 12.50 meters, due to heavy rains in the northern region and in Mukdahan province during the last few days. The deputy governor warns that these conditions may result in flash floods.

Provincial officials have warned local residents living near the Mekong River, as well as traders who possess basements, to prepare for evacuation. Residents in affected areas are also asked to remove all electrical extensions and place them out of reach of floodwaters. Mr. Prachakchit adds that the Mukdahan municipality has made preparations for flooding by laying sand bags along the Mekong riverbank.

Source: Reliefweb - 11 August 2008