Next 24 Hours Critical For Bangkok Residents; Flood Crisis

[webfact]

FLOOD CRISIS

Next 24 hours critical

By The Nation

Governor asks dams to slow release of water as high tide looms

The Bangkok Governor has asked Irrigation Department officials not to let out excess water from dams upriver, as the Chao Phraya reached a critical level in the capital yesterday.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Bangkok would be submerged if the flow into the Chao Phraya reached 5,000 cubic metres a second. The Pak Klong Talad station measured the river at 1.97 metres above mean sea level yesterday, with the current at 4,573 cubic metres a second.

While the amount of water flowing into the river remained controllable, he admitted the situation in Bangkok was critical, as a high tide was expected this morning at 1.17 metres. This would make the river rise to 2.22.3 metres over the mean sea level.

Sukhumbhand urged people not to panic, saying the city had means to tackle floods and related agencies were monitoring water levels around the clock. He said he had asked the Royal Irrigation Department not to release more than 5,000 cubic metres a second for a period of 24 hours.

The city would also contact the Department of Rural Roads for permission to improve the floodprone area under Sathorn Bridge with city funds, he said. Sukhumbhand would inspect risky areas by helicopter this morning.

In Lat Krabang, flooding remained at a stable level while 320 rai of farmland in Nong Chok district was damaged as Suvarnabhumi Airport has blocked some draining of waterways.

Metropolitan Police also prepared 700 police to assist floodaffected motorists.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the city governor and Interior Minister all made visits yesterday to flooded areas in and near the capital.

At 10.30am, Sukhumbhand also visited residents in Rongsi community in Yannawa district, bringing 180 relief bags after some 800 people were affected by flooding after the 6am high tide. Although water dried up at around 10am, the community sports plaza was 30cm underwater during the visit. There were claims officials left the area flooded until the visit was over and officials were then told to drain water out via the sewage system.

At 9am, Abhisit inspected flooding in Nonthaburi at the Tha Id Mosque in Pakkred and Bang Bua Thong's Pimolrat water gate. The PM said water would rise until next week due to a lot of runoff from the North.

The Nonthaburi governor said 50,000 families in six districts had been affected despite the province spending Bt48 million to strengthen flood barriers. He urged the government to provide more funds and to make regulations about procuring items such as boats and floating toilets more flexible.

The premier expressed concerns about the strength of flood barriers, but said the level of the Chao Phraya at Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Bangkok was as expected and that each province had clear measures in place.

He later told the committee on flood victim assistance he would discuss possible changes to assistance criteria with the Cabinet this morning.

Residents at Koh Kred rushed to move belongings to higher ground yesterday as the river sent 60cmdeep floodwater into their homes.

In the morning, Interior Minister Chaovarat Charnveerakul inspected the flood situation in Pathum Thani's Sa Khok district and helped to deliver bags of relief. About 100 shops at the Pathum Thani Municipal Market were a metredeep under water after a 10m section of a sandbag dike gave way. Officials had to spend three hours pumping water out of the area.

Meanwhile, the level of the Chao Phraya in floodstricken Ayutthaya could rise higher, as more runoff was expected from the North over the next two days, RID deputy head Weera Wongsaengnak said yesterday.

"Water passing through Ayutthaya's Bang Sai district is now at 3,275 cubic metres a second but it could rise due to the northern runoff and high tides during this period. So officials will try to prevent water from exceeding 3,200 metres a second there," he said.

They would also try to keep the level of the Chao Phraya under 2.5 meters - the height of Bangkok's flood barriers - by releasing water at a slower rate at the Chao Phraya and Pasak Cholasit dams. Officials will release water on the river's eastern side from Rama 6 Dam through Klong Rapipat and on the western side through Klong MakhamthaoUthong.

Weera affirming that the department had things under control, but urged people to closely monitor flood barriers and for local officials to ensure motorboats don't create waves by going too fast.

He said ministers would discuss longterm solutions for flooding at the Cabinet meeting today. The RID will propose that a canal be dug from Chainat to Pasak to cut the impact on the eastern side of the Chao Phraya, and boost Klong Rapipat's draining capacity.

RID would also propose the digging to flush water out of Nakhon Ratchasima's Muang district and Ubon Ratchathani's Warin Chamrap district.

It would also discuss installing telemeter systems that calculate water amounts at key spots, such as river basin and water origin areas, with the Natural Resource and Environment Ministry.

Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Pollabutr said he would propose various assistance measures including a grace period from debt for farmers affected by floods and more flexibility for entrepreneurs repaying debts.

In related news, Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Plodprasop Surasawadi suggested five moves to boost national floodtackling policy. They were: study the effect of global warming on sea levels and floods in Bangkok; build dykes around Bangkok and largescale water gates as in New Orleans in the US; announce a policy to control the expansion of Bangkok; boost transport systems to encourage people to live in suburban areas; and build waterdiversion canals in all directions to prevent floods in the capital.

-- The Nation 2010-10-26

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Bangkok on high alert as Chao Phraya overflow merges with high tides

BANGKOK, Oct 26 -- Thailand's capital city of Bangkok is on high alert Tuesday bracing for an expected inundation as the Chao Phraya River surges highed due to run-offs from the North, peak high tides and continued rain.

The high tide is expected to reach its peak at around 9am, as the water level in Bangkok surges extremely close to the 2.5-metre flood safety level.

The Meteorological Department announced on Tuesday that an intense high pressure from China has extended its ridge to cover northeastern Thailand. It is expected to cover northern, central and eastern Thailand today. Thundershower and then cooler weather, 2-4 degrees Celsius drops with windy are likely in the areas.

Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Monday expressed concern over Tuesday's anticipated rising Chao Phraya River level as flood waters from the North make their way downriver to the sea, with expected rainfall possibly adding severity to the rising water levels.

He assured the public the facility is well-equipped with personnel and equipment to monitor the situation and rainfall, as well as its data linkages with the Meteorological Department, the Irrigation Department and Hydrographic Service to alert at-risk areas with timely rapid responses.

Gov Sukhumbhand warned, however, that the rising Chao Phraya River remains critical as the flood waters flowing down from the North at the rate of 4,573 cubic metres per second to add with high tides and expected rainfall. He added that if Tuesday rainfall does not exceed 60 millimetres, the capital will be able to cope with the situation, but if the overall rainfall is greater than 100 millimetres, it will inevitably affect 27 communities along the river which lie outside the city flood-prevention dyke.

The Bangkok governor conceded the main concern is the flood-prone 27 communities along the river and the eastern part of the capital which comprise low-lying areas such as Lad Krabang, Nong Chok, Min Buri and Klong Samwa, including Srinakarin Road.

Meanwhile, former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, in his capacity as chair of the flood coordination centre, said it was predicted that at 9.09am Wednesday, the river was to reach its highest tides between 2.30-2.40 metres, but he asserted that the BMA stands ready to cope with the situation.

He expressed confidence that there would be no flooding in inner Bangkok areas. The centre will do its best to coordinate cooperation among concerned agencies to reach people in dire need.

The Cabinet at its weekly meeting on Tuesday is expected to approve its plan to increase reserve funds from Bt50 million to Bt100 million for provinces in the north and northeast to respond to flood-related problems.

The Cabinet would also specially consider measures to help each family affected by floodwaters individually after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had assigned a number of related agencies to study the details. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-10-26

[rubl]

In related news, Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Plodprasop Surasawadi suggested five moves to boost national floodtackling policy. They were: study the effect of global warming on sea levels and floods in Bangkok; build dykes around Bangkok and largescale water gates as in New Orleans in the US; announce a policy to control the expansion of Bangkok; boost transport systems to encourage people to live in suburban areas; and build waterdiversion canals in all directions to prevent floods in the capital.

Five point plans as THE solution to any problem. Study global warnng, build dykes, announce a policy, boost tranport to flooded outskirts, build water diversion channels. Typically a politician with no detailed knowledge on the problems. Water flows to the lowest level possible, but politicians stay adrift.

A commission from New Orleans went to the Netherlands to have a look how things are done there. Maybe a better suggestion than going to New Orleans were it didn't work. As far as transport to promote living in suburban areas is concerned, pumping water from inner Bangkok to the outskirts might be contra indicative.

May I suggest a SINGLE commission to study the problem, invite outsite help from experts and make a plan for a consistent approach during the next 30 years. Oh, this is Thailand ? Consistency and 30 year planning is a farang habit? In that case buy a boat

Edited October 26, 2010 by rubl

[mightyharriss]

why has Abhisit always got that dumb, snide, smile on his face in every picture... why are you smiling you bell end.. your walking through 2 feet of water and people are homeless

[OzMick]

why has Abhisit always got that dumb, snide, smile on his face in every picture... why are you smiling you bell end.. your walking through 2 feet of water and people are homeless

Of course; he should be weeping, pulling out his hair, tearing his clothes, gnashing his teeth - that would make the water go away!

[theoldgit]

why has Abhisit always got that dumb, snide, smile on his face in every picture... why are you smiling you bell end.. your walking through 2 feet of water and people are homeless

Of course; he should be weeping, pulling out his hair, tearing his clothes, gnashing his teeth - that would make the water go away!

That's not the point either, but people have died, families are homeless and really struggling to survive, he should at least look concerned not look like he's enjoying a day on the beach with the kids, I think people are looking for compassion and leadership, both seem to be sadly lacking.

[corkscrew]

Sandbags by River City.

[corkscrew]

The river is moving fast....boats have a hard time going up stream.

Edited October 26, 2010 by corkscrew

[rreddin]

In related news, Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Plodprasop Surasawadi suggested five moves to boost national floodtackling policy. They were: study the effect of global warming on sea levels and floods in Bangkok; build dykes around Bangkok and largescale water gates as in New Orleans in the US; announce a policy to control the expansion of Bangkok; boost transport systems to encourage people to live in suburban areas; and build waterdiversion canals in all directions to prevent floods in the capital.

Five point plans as THE solution to any problem. Study global warnng, build dykes, announce a policy, boost tranport to flooded outskirts, build water diversion channels. Typically a politician with no detailed knowledge on the problems. Water flows to the lowest level possible, but politicians stay adrift.

A commission from New Orleans went to the Netherlands to have a look how things are done there. Maybe a better suggestion than going to New Orleans were it didn't work. As far as transport to promote living in suburban areas is concerned, pumping water from inner Bangkok to the outskirts might be contra indicative.

May I suggest a SINGLE commission to study the problem, invite outsite help from experts and make a plan for a consistent approach during the next 30 years. Oh, this is Thailand ? Consistency and 30 year planning is a farang habit? In that case buy a boat

This section of the OP caught my attention:

"The Bangkok Governor has asked Irrigation Department officials not to let out excess water from dams upriver, as the Chao Phraya reached a critical level in the capital yesterday.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Bangkok would be submerged if the flow into the Chao Phraya reached 5,000 cubic metres a second. The Pak Klong Talad station measured the river at 1.97 metres above mean sea level yesterday, with the current at 4,573 cubic metres a second.

While the amount of water flowing into the river remained controllable, he admitted the situation in Bangkok was critical, as a high tide was expected this morning at 1.17 metres. This would make the river rise to 2.22.3 metres over the mean sea level.

Sukhumbhand urged people not to panic, saying the city had means to tackle floods and related agencies were monitoring water levels around the clock. He said he had asked the Royal Irrigation Department not to release more than 5,000 cubic metres a second for a period of 24 hours."

It is the point about "excess water". Logically, the upstream dams have to let out the excess water because they cannot store it, otherwise the structure of the dams is put at risk. The excess water has to go somewhere. The only place it can go from the dams is downstream. I am not sure that what the Bangkok Governor is asking the Irrigation Department to do is possible.

For the sake of all those living in Bangkok, I hope that the Irrigation Department can manage the outflow of excess water so as to avoid flooding the captital city.

[dcutman]

T I T S

This 5 point plan is going to be out of everybodies minds next month when all the water is gone and the mud, sand bags and debris have been efficiently shoveld into the natural water ways and drainage systems.

The cost of lives is much cheaper than proper city planning and upgrading the 30 year outdated infastructure. It would take tens of thousands of lives lost to hold anyones attention more than a couple of months..

The only plan being assembled is how they are going to funnel all this money for future flood prevention into there personel bank accounts.

T I T S

Edited October 26, 2010 by dcutman

[OzMick]

why has Abhisit always got that dumb, snide, smile on his face in every picture... why are you smiling you bell end.. your walking through 2 feet of water and people are homeless

Of course; he should be weeping, pulling out his hair, tearing his clothes, gnashing his teeth - that would make the water go away!

That's not the point either, but people have died, families are homeless and really struggling to survive, he should at least look concerned not look like he's enjoying a day on the beach with the kids, I think people are looking for compassion and leadership, both seem to be sadly lacking.

How well do you know Thais? do you not realise this is a different culture, and what you consider an inappropriate facial expression may be just what Thais want to see?

[dumball]

'corkscrew' timestamp='1288078235' post='3981071']

Sandbags by River City.

What is the need for sand-bags AGAINST a wall ? Do not walls prevent the flow of water as in " Buildings in inappropriate places are helping to cause some of the flooding " .

[chantorn]

why has Abhisit always got that dumb, snide, smile on his face in every picture... why are you smiling you bell end.. your walking through 2 feet of water and people are homeless

Of course; he should be weeping, pulling out his hair, tearing his clothes, gnashing his teeth - that would make the water go away!

That's not the point either, but people have died, families are homeless and really struggling to survive, he should at least look concerned not look like he's enjoying a day on the beach with the kids, I think people are looking for compassion and leadership, both seem to be sadly lacking.

How well do you know Thais? do you not realise this is a different culture, and what you consider an inappropriate facial expression may be just what Thais want to see?

His smile is the only selling point, as he is not selling his bottom. Unlike Thaksin et al.

[creck]

'corkscrew' timestamp='1288078235' post='3981071']

Sandbags by River City.

What is the need for sand-bags AGAINST a wall ? Do not walls prevent the flow of water as in " Buildings in inappropriate places are helping to cause some of the flooding " .

At first sight it looks absurd.

Difficult to be sure from the photo and not knowing the exact location - but the wall looks like a row of flower pots. The bags could be adding stability and reducing the seepage between the pots at low water levels.

[creck]

I can only say that I am extremely glad it is Abhisit’s selling point not Thaksin’s, emerging from the flood water.

[webfact]

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Bangkok Survives But Round 2 Coming: Flood Crisis

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