Storm-related floods hit upcountry; dikes break in Chaiyaphum

CHAIYAPHUM: -- A number of provinces nationwide are affected by Tropical Depression Ketsana, with three dikes in the northeastern province of Chaiyaphum failing due to forest torrents.

Incessant heavy rains and floodwaters triggered forest run-offs, breaking three dikes in the Chaiyaphum municipalityand to prevent flash torrents from flooding farmland and state offices.

Over 8 million cubic metres of water from Phu Lanka Mountain and forest-runoff, with rising waters in the Lam Pa Tao River quickly overflowing into Chiyaphum municipality.

Reportedly many roads were inundated by high floodwaters. Provincial authorities urged local resident to keep updating on the flood situation in the province.

In another Ketsana storm-related development, a wave over two metres high hit Pattaya, sinking nine tourist ferries onshore. The wave also damaged beachside restaurants and bars.

Rescue teams inspected the scene were to search the wreckage of the ferries after the weather condition returned to normal.

In the southern province of Narathiwat, scattered thundershowers with gusty winds of 50-60 km/hr due to tropical storm Ketsana destroyed 15 homes in Sungai Kolok municipality.

Some local residents had to evacuate to safer places and local officials have repaired the damaged homes.

-- TNA 2009-09-30

Weather is back to "normal" here in Ubon "down under" today, with no rain.

The river that borders the rear of our farm, rose about 1 m, but did no harm.

It was worse in 2007 when water level went up about 1.5 meters.

I expect partly blue sky within an hour, as soon as the sun clears the fog.

Pics are from 2007: