Northeastern Areas Facing Storm-related Flood Crisis

[george]

Northeastern areas facing storm-related flood crisis

KALASIN: -- Flood situation in several northeastern provinces, including Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket, on Friday remained in critical condition.

The Kalasin meteorological centre reported that the water level in the Lam Pao River overflowed and destroyed 2,000 rais (about 790 acres) of farmland in five districts, said Witthaya Makpan of the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office.

The five inundated districts are Muang, Kamalasai, Rong Kham, Khong Chai and Yang Talat.

Meanwhile, Khao Wong district was hardest hit by incessant rain with 80 millimeters of rainfall. The mudslide prone district is situated near the Phuphan mountain range.

Local officials concerned are on alert to handle possible mudslides.

However, the water level in Lampao Dam is still capable of holding adding water from more rainfall in the areas. It has a capacity of 1.43 billion cubic meters while some 1.3 billion cubic meters of water are currently stored.

Reportedly, some 23 million cubic meters of water flowed into the reservoir but the water level is not worrisome.

Irrigation authorities and other agencies braced for floodwaters in order to assist flood-hit residents.

Meanwhile, Thursday night’s incessant rains in Chaiyaphum overflowed Lam Pa Tao Dam and a spillway, flooding Muang district of Chaiyaphum, said Chaiyaphum Governor Wanchai Suthivorachai.

The 60-centimetre deep floodwaters halted traffic and caused confusion throughout the provincial seat.

In addition, water from Chi River overflowed into Muang and Ban Khwao districts, damaging farmlands.

Local authorities, however, warned their people to move valuables to higher ground.

In Ubon Ratchathani, water from the Mun River flooded Ubon Ratchathani and Warin Chamrap municipality.

The provincial irrigation office said that the water level in the river would increase in a few days because other tributaries will flow to the Mun River, but if there is no more rain, the floodwater will recede gradually.

In another northeastern province, Si Sa Ket, heavy rains triggered forest runoff from the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, overflowing the areas, raising the water level in provincial dikes. Emergency workers are currently helping flood victims.

-- TNA 2009-10-02