Typhoon Ketsana: Thailand On Full Alert For Flash Floods

[george]

Typhoon Ketsana: Thailand on full alert for flash floods

BANGKOK: -- Thai authorities upcountry and in the capital are braced for a major blow from tropical storm Ketsana, which has intensified to typhoon status, and is moving towards Thailand's Northeast and North, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnvirakul said Tuesday.

Having ordered the authorities in the northern and northeastern regions to be on alert for possible flash floods, Mr Chavarat said the Interior Ministry had allocated Bt50 million from its emergency budget to each province to help flood victims.

Meanwhile, Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will keep Bangkokians updated on the weather condition in Bangkok.

The updates include the amount of rainfall and flood-proned areas, he said, adding that announcements will be made via radio, television and traffic signs so that residents will avoid entering flooded areas, move their valuables to higher grounds and prepare themselves in better manners.

In a bid to protect Bangkokians affected by heavy rains, the BMA has set up mobile emergency units to visit flood-impacted various areas and provide drainage pumps, temporary accommodation, medical teams and other facilities.

Mr. Sukhumbhand also said that the BMA would help repair and clean damaged homes after the floodwaters recede.

He instructed the heads of flood-prone districts, in particular the eastern metropolitan area and Thon Buri, to urge community leaders to brace for possible flooding.

The governor himself will be at the emergency relief centre to inspect the authorities response to flooding.

The BMA has launched its Hotline 1555 to receive complaints from flood-hit residents.

Meanwhile, in the southern province of Songkhla, fishermen in the Gulf of Thailand started sailing for shore after a warning was issued by the Meteorological Department.

The department earlier announced that strong winds and waves would likely be higher than two metres due to tropical storm Ketsana which was moving across the South China Sea and expected to enter Thailand's northeastern provinces of Mukdaharn and Ubon Ratchathani via neighbouring Laos.

Meanwhile, customs officers in the northeastern province of Nong Khai warned ferry boat and motor raft operators plying between Bung Kan District and Laos against overloading with cargo and passengers to avoid possible accidents during the heavy rain and strong winds.

-- TNA 2009-09-29

[Scott]

Let's hope this isn't as bad as it could be. It has sure rised a lot of h*ll so far.

[bartender100]

http://weather.msn.com/region.aspx?wealocations=Thailand

click on satellite, looks bad

Edited September 29, 2009 by bartender100

[george]

TropicalStormRisk.com:

http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/tracker/d.../200917W_1.html

[parryhandy]

When is this due to hit Thailand ?

[junkofdavid2]

What are the flood-prone areas of Bangkok?

Sathorn is the "premier" district in Bangkok which seems to have good infrastructure... but it's also near the Chao Praya.

Is Sathorn in danger?

.

Edited September 29, 2009 by junkofdavid2

[JetsetBkk]

What are the flood-prone areas of Bangkok?<snip>

Lower Sukhumvit was fun a few years ago. I must've got the only taxi left on soi 4 and he took me to soi 13 via the back sois with water seeping in through the bottom of the door. He even drove up the pavement at my condo so I could step onto dry land.

He got a good tip!

[webfact]

What are the flood-prone areas of Bangkok?

Sathorn is the "premier" district in Bangkok which seems to have good infrastructure... but it's also near the Chao Praya.

Is Sathorn in danger? .

I am in this area around 1km away from the river. The last flood I remember was in the early 90s.

You mention a good infrastructure for this area. Thats true but during heavy rain you almost

need a boat near Surasak...

[Javabear]

click on satellite, looks bad

Holy crap!

[anothertorres]

The BMA has launched its Hotline 1555 to receive complaints from flood-hit residents.

complaints? hah, like what, the water is too cold?

[AjarnJan]

It's expected to hit the NorthEast and the North, but everything people in this thread are talking about (incl. 95% of the article) is Bangkok. Somebody around here a little selfcentered maybe?

[tijnebijn]

With the North , do they mean Chiangmai too ?

looks like Phitsanulok could be the highest point I figure .

Edited September 29, 2009 by tijnebijn

[george]

Sodden Northeast battening down for Ketsana

Northeastern people have been warned to prepare for tropical storm 'Ketsana' that will hit Thailand this evening.

According to the Meteorological Department's warning issued at 4.30pm yesterday, the typhoon is moving across neighbouring Laos and heading for Mukdahan province.

More rain is likely with isolated heavy to very heavy falls, affecting the Northeast of Thailand and then other regions.

"It will start raining in almost every province in the Northeast tonight and tomorrow," said Somchai Baimoung, director of the department's weather forecast bureau.

Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram and Nakhon Ratchasima were alerted for severe weather and flash floods.

The department warned all ships to proceed with caution as the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand is intensifying with high winds and waves likely above 2 metres.

"We informed Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Mineral Resources Departments. Their officials have met with people in risky areas to advise them to prepare for flooding. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration was also alerted to the weather situation so it could prepare the capital's drainage system," Somchai said.

Authorities have released water from Pasak Jolasit Dam in Phetchabun province because of rising levels and to prevent the dam overflowing and inundating nearby residences and in Bangkok.

Mana Krobbuaban,22, a Phetchabun resident, was swept away by torrents and disappeared while fishing in a canal with friends on Sunday evening. Rescue workers and divers have still not found his body in the floodwaters.

About 100 rai of paddy fields and 50 houses in Phichit's Sarklek district have been damaged by floods, and farmers in Muang district's tambon Pamakharb have hired a truck to harvest rice before flooding hits their fields.

In Chaiyaphum, flash floods and mud from Phu Lan Ka mountain blocked Chaiyaphum-Nongbuadang road and collapsed a reservoir, sending water sweeping through 500 houses.

After three consecutive days of rain in four tambons of Phitsanulok's Nernmaprang district, 60 houses and 10,000 rai of agricultural land had been inundated and people moved to safe areas, the district head said yesterday.

-- The Nation 2009-09-29

[PoorSucker]

We have strong strong winds here on Koh Samui.

Not the normal winds this time of year.

[Guderian]

No problems here in Pattaya, we are used to muff diving.

[husskydog]

Its starting to hit surin NOW, big bbig wind and rain....00.12am off to get shower before power goes..and baton down the hatches..wow

[Rdrokit]

Think I will go shopping tomorrow morning to stock up on supplies.

[0zz1]

With the North , do they mean Chiangmai too ?

looks like Phitsanulok could be the highest point I figure .

Well probably not i think we are safe... its not gonna make it this far and if it will its so weak already that you dont even notice it... 

[Foggy Bottom]

TropicalStormRisk.com:

http://www.tropicalstormrisk.com/tracker/d.../200917W_1.html

Holy Thunderclaps Batman - it's coming straight at us.

[bobbysan124]

Hope it doesn't turn out to be nearly as bad as expected.

[george]

Update:

Medical teams on alert in Isaan as Ketsana heads here

Villagers in Phichit's Dongcharoen district evacuate their belongings and animals yesterday as the district is hit by flash floods.

Tropical storm Ketsana, which caused at least 240 deaths in the Philippines recently, is due to hit Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchathani in the far Northeast today.

The weather bureau warned yesterday that while the typhoon is expected to weaken as it crosses Vietnam and Laos, it could bring flash floods to many parts of Thailand.

Provinces on alert for Ketsana are Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Sakon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong and Phang Nga.

"People in areas at risk along foothills, near waterways and in lowland areas should watch out for possible sudden flooding," the Meteorological Department said.

Faced with the threat of imminent floods, Dr Chatri Charoencheevakul, secretary general of the Emergency Medical Institute of Thailand, said more than 100 medical teams were now ready to deal with possible emergencies, especially in 14 provinces in the lower Northeast.

"The provincial governors will give orders about related assistance," he said.

Director of the Government Pharmaceutical Organisation, Dr Vithit Attavijjakul, said the GPO could immediately send medical supplies to areas hit by floods, if requested.

"Relevant authorities are doing their best in a bid to prevent floods and also to help flood victims," Interior Minister Chaovarat Chanweerakul said.

He said that each provincial government had up to Bt50 million in emergency funds, which would be reimbursed, if necessary.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office 7, which oversees Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan, set up many rescue teams yesterday.

"They are on standby around the clock," the office's acting director Veerasak Vichiensaen said.

Amnat Charoen Governor Boonsanong Boonmee said he was now concerned about the situation in Hua Taphan and Chanuman districts.

"They are face serious flood risks," he said.

Second Army Region chief Lt General Viboonsak Neeparn said he had troops and supplies ready for relief operations.

"We have trucks, flatbottomed boats and relief items," he said.

-- The Nation 2009-09-30

[moskito]

No problems here in Pattaya, we are used to muff diving.

ROFL......

no probs here in Phuket until now, 00:45 its raining like always since some weeks.....I am happy my net is still working, so it cant be so bad in south until now

[kimamey]

It's expected to hit the NorthEast and the North, but everything people in this thread are talking about (incl. 95% of the article) is Bangkok. Somebody around here a little selfcentered maybe?

I thought that as well.

[Pooklook]

weather radar loop

Time to get out the buckets and do leak patrol.

Its starting to rain pretty hard here in Buriram

[Sparkles]

Think I will go shopping tomorrow morning to stock up on supplies.

Go tonight tomorrow will be too late !

[jc14all]

Yikes! I'm flying into to Bangkok next week from the states. Hope you guys fair through the storm.

[reallyok]

No problems here in Pattaya, we are used to muff diving.

Muff diving ?............Is it seasonal, do seniors get a discount and does the hot weather make a difference?

[thommo46]

What is happening with flights out of Bangkok, my wife and son are flying out tomorrow morning to Australia. They are in Nakhon Ratchasima and driving to Bangkok late tonight for the flight.

Any info about roads closure between Korat and airport would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

[sunnymarky]

What is happening with flights out of Bangkok, my wife and son are flying out tomorrow morning to Australia. They are in Nakhon Ratchasima and driving to Bangkok late tonight for the flight.

Any info about roads closure between Korat and airport would be much appreciated.

Thanks.

If the storm hits later today and overnight the airport is likely to close , no inbound or outbound.

[cyb]

We have strong strong winds here on Koh Samui.

Not the normal winds this time of year.

The wind in Lamai isn't too bad this morning, Bit breezy at least it's not raining.

Hope everyone in the north comes out of this with not too much damage.

Edited September 29, 2009 by cyb