Thailand's Flood Crisis - Huge Challenge Ahead

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THAILAND FLOOD UPDATES - LIVE - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2010

Huge challenge ahead

By The Nation

Army plays major role in providing relief; Flood waters in Hat Yai start receding; Residents begin travelling, buying rations; Damage sustained estimated at Bt10 billion

The flood-water level in hardest-hit Hat Yai district in Songkhla has subsided, but the enormous task of relieving affected residents of their hardship lies ahead.

In a 24-hour stretch, eight to 10 people are reported to have drowned, including an official with a local administrative body in Chana district who went missing on Tuesday after going out on a relief mission. The body of the unnamed official was retrieved yesterday, not far from where his boat capsized.

Law and order have been largely maintained, with constant patrols by police and volunteers, but minor looting was reported and caught on camera after a few similar incidents took place earlier. Meanwhile, residents have begun buying and stockpiling rations and household supplies now that they can travel and a number of shops have reopened. There are no reports about hoarding of essential supplies.

There was, however, a murder reported in Phatthalung's Bang Kaew district, where an assistant village head allegedly shot dead a man who gave away a package of instant noodles as part of communal relief supplies to a child without permission. Bunchern Sukraj is on the run after he allegedly killed Bunthip Chimniam.

The flood water level in Kim Yong and Santisuk markets in downtown Hat Yai decreased to 50 centimetres overnight on Tuesday from the reported peak of two-three metres. The average flood level in the entire urban area was 1.5 metres last night.

Mayor Phrai Phatthano estimated that the damage sustained by Hat Yai amounted to Bt10 billion. However, everything should return to normal in the next few days if there is no more rain.

Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senniam said floodwater should be drained out of Songkhla province within seven days and that it should take two months to complete repairs and restoration work.

The Prince of Songkhla University compound has been packed with people seeking help during the crisis, as it served as both a rally and a pick-up point for relief supplies, and its hospital as a medical service centre.

Electricity is now available in certain areas except Kim Yong market and adjacent areas and mobile-phone operators are fixing their infrastructure to make signals available in the same coverage areas as before the floods hit.

Relief supplies have been distributed to residents throughout flooded areas, through relief agencies, volunteer groups and teams of celebrities. Jet-skis have been used to reach homes in crowded residential areas or in shallow water where large boats could not travel.

The Army has dispatched a 10,000-strong relief force, comprising 600 trucks, 200 flat-bottom boats and 30 mobile military medical teams to the South to supplement relief efforts being provided by Army units based in the region.

Somdej Phra Borommarachini-nat Hospital in Na Thawee district has been so badly damaged that it has suspended all medical services for three days beginning today, and all 92 villages in the district is still affected by flooding, the district office said.

In Chumphon, a Burmese boy drowned when his house was engulfed by floods. Six of the province's eight districts have been flooded and declared disaster zones.

The official damage report by the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said the floods in the South had affected 292,744 people in 79,902 households in 10 provinces.

A weather report said the storms had changed direction towards Cambodia and Vietnam but would still cause heavy rain in coastal provinces on the Gulf of Thailand. Residents living by canals or in low-lying areas are advised to stay alert for flash floods.

The government's war room on flood relief said 15,000 boats of all kinds had been mobilised and dispatched to affected areas in the South, while another 11,000 survival kits from the government had been distributed.

-- The Nation 2010-11-04

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FLOODS

Drainage dispute flares

By The Nation

Villagers in neighbouring districts battle as floods fray nerves; Angthong's Pa Moke residents face a second wave of flooding

Two groups of villagers in Angthong and Sing Buri provinces yesterday engaged in a brawl over water drainage which has benefited one side and affected the other.

At a water gate in Angthong's Pho Thong district, around 100 residents living in the adjacent district of Tha Chang in neighbouring Sing Buri, demanded it be opened to release floodwater from the swelling Noi River that inundated their riverbank homes, while local residents told irrigation officials not to comply.

The Sing Buri locals later fired shots overhead after officials told them that no doors at the water gate could be opened at the order "of a boss", before police from both provinces moved in and pushed the groups of villagers apart.

A village head representing Sing Buri residents, Saifon Dokmaingarm, said her group wanted to temporarily release floodwater to a level that would not inundate their homes. "No-one has sympathised with us, and everyone is afraid of making Angthong people unhappy. I really want to know who that boss is," she said.

Meanwhile, a proposal to rent vast areas of farmland in Suphan Buri, Angthong, and Ayutthaya for catchment was floated again by the Agriculture Ministry. If approved and completed, those areas would be used to hold for brief or long terms excessive rainwater volume for later release to manmade or natural waterways.

Agriculture Minister Theera Wongsamut said the practice could improve existing irrigation mechanisms and double the storage of water for farm use during the hot season. "A feasibility study into the practice will be conducted soon along with a new survey of those areas earmarked for use," he added.

In Khon Kaen, large numbers of flood-stricken villagers in many districts are enduring the cold, especially those living along water sources and rivers.

Residents in Pa Mok district in Ayutthaya now face a second wave of flooding after water from Phak Hai district travels to their areas, threatening more than 100 homes. A cattle herd of 35 buffaloes has been sold prematurely by its owner to a slaughterhouse after their dens were flooded.

People in Bang Sai and Lat Bua Luang districts have been advised to brace for higher flood levels as a result of the second-wave flooding in Pa Mok district, while flooding in Sena district has remained at a high level for weeks.

All 16 districts in Ayutthaya are now under water, affecting 406,412 people in 131,908 households living in 340 villages. Eight people have drowned and 341,812 rai of farmlands inundated, while 100 schools, 98 government offices and 100 roads have been submerged or damaged.

Water drainage from the Chao Phya River should be sufficient before November 7-8, when high tides at the estuary are expected to put Bangkok at a flood risk, Royol Jitdon, a senior Science Ministry official in charge of national water management said yesterday.

The drainage volume at Rapheephat canal in Ayutthaya, which conveys water to the east of Bangkok, is continuing at a projected rate. However the volume of the Dan canal in Samut Prakan should be moving at a higher speed, Royol said, without explaining why the rate was lower than expected.

-- The Nation 2010-11-04

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AFTERMATH

Flood victims to get cash handouts today

By WICHIT CHAITRONG,

SUCHAT SRITAMA

THE NATION

The Government Savings Bank (GSB) will today hand out cash to flood victims in Nakhon Ratchasima, Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij said.

The first 1,043 families in Pak Thong Chai district of Korat will each get Bt5,000 as an initial compensation amount from the government, said Korn. The first batch of funds totals Bt5.22 million.

Recipients have been told to carry their identity cards with them.

Chief executive officer Lersak Chuladesa said the bank would also provide mobile units for people in remote villages. He said the bank expected to complete fund disbursement to 632,288 families within a month.

Korn said more families were expected to be adversely affected by the flooding, as several provinces in the South now are facing floods.

The government is expected to spend Bt20 billion to compensate flood victims. More cash will be offered to those whose homes or farmlands have been damaged by severe flooding. Home owners could be compensated between Bt20,000 and Bt30,000 for repairs, or Bt100,000 for construction of a new home, Korn promised.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Council of Thailand (TCT) estimated that the floods in Hat Yai would damage tourism by Bt1.2 billion to Bt1.5 billion if the problem is not solved within a month.

The council also predicted that tourism operators in the area would lose Bt50 million per day. Of the figure, Bt30 million will be from the domestic market and Bt20 million from foreign tourists.

It is also expected that 65,000 local and 50,000 tourists would avoid the area after the heavy rainfall.

TCT reported that 34 districts in Songkhla, Satun, Trang, Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Phatthalung provinces in the Southern region were affected by the current floods.

Hat Yai, which is the gateway to the South and an economic centre, receives about 1.5 million visitors, both locals and foreigners, and generates Bt13 billion revenue annually.

TCT called on the government to help revive tourism in the area by granting financial assistance to affected operators and independent entrepreneurs to renovate properties and equipment as well as help their cash flow.

The council also urged officials to promote the destinations and many of the unaffected attractions to encourage visitors to those areas.

It also urged the government to take measures to prevent such natural disasters in future.

Chantra Purnariksha, secretary-general at the Office of Insurance Commission, said yesterday that a survey in the South's 14 provinces showed there were 1.8 million cars with compulsory insurance, of which 245,962 had first-class insurance, for a combined insured sum of Bt105.29 billion. Fire insurance and all-risk insurance account for 43,497 policies worth Bt116.9 billion.

-- The Nation 2010-11-04

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Rescue teams must work selectively in Hat Yai

By Chayanont Praneet

Hat Yai

The Nation

Rescue boats are forced to zigzag warily through floodwater torrents in Songkhla's Hat Yai town during recent days, dodging all kinds of debris - even household furniture - being swept along by the fast flowing waters.

"We have to be careful about submerged vehicles too," said Jarukit Jakpetch,deputy head of a rescue team at the Metta Foundation.

With limited resources, Jarukit said his foundation was obliged to help first ill, elderly and heavily pregnant flood victims.

"We have to rush to rescue these people. But at the same time, we feel hurt when we drive past people crying for help from their flooded homes - but we are unable to stop," he said.

Jarukit said he also felt sorry for flood victims forced to stay on rooftops and wait desperately for help.

Life was tough in Hat Yai where floodwater levels have risen several metres at many spots. The town of Hat Yai has been without electricity as well as running water. Even cell-phone signals have failed in the area.

"Without cell-phone signals, rescue operations move at a slower pace," Jarukit admitted.

His team has seven members, all with first-aid training.

"At night, we have to rely on flashlights to find our way," he said.

Because the rescue team from the Metta Foundation concentrates on rescuing flood victims with urgent needs first, it must pass up other victims along the way.

"All we can do is use radio communications to alert other rescue workers," Jarukit added.

Chalee Noppawong na Ayutthaya, who heads a Songkhla-based club of rescue workers, said the Songkhla governor had designated the Chalee Centre as the co-ordination centre for flood-relief operations in Hat Yai. The centre has a power generator to support its round-the-clock operations.

"Chalee Centre also has up to 30,0000 radio communication-device owners as members. This means we can receive reports on the situation all the time," Chalee explained.

He said many flood victims in Hat Yai were still waiting for water and food. "Donations are welcome at the Napalai Place Building on the 30-Metre Road in Nakhon Hat Yai Municipality," Chalee added.

Songkhla disaster-prevention-and-mitigation chief Wijit Janparn said flood-affected people also needed flashlights and medicine for foot diseases, in particular.

-- The Nation 2010-11-04

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Chumphon's Lang Suan Hospital evacuates patients after water level rises late last night /MCOT

Restoration work starts to revive Hat Yai after flood recedes /MCOT

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Flood Death Toll: 122

Officials have released the latest death toll from severe nationwide flooding. A total of 122 victims have died from the disaster. However, Had Yai district is returning to normal as locals get together for a Big Cleaning Day. The dames Tun Yong Market is especially active as merchants host a huge sale.

-- Tan Network 2010-11-04

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Thailand's current weather and forecasts: http://weather.thaivisa.com/

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[GBK]

No hoarding?

Total BS.

You try finding drinking water around here!

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Restoration work begins reviving Hat Yai after flood recedes

HAT YAI, Nov 4 -- Restoration work has begun to revive the regionally vital Hat Yai commercial district in Thailand's southern province of Songkhla after heavy flooding has receded and local residents gradually are coming out to receive relief packages and buy fresh food supplies.

Some government offices in the district reopened for normal service on Thursday, and the water level covering the important railway switchyards at Hat Yai Junction decreased.

The well-known Kim Yong maket has returned to normal and Hat Yai Hospital is operating normally.

The authorities said the most needed for flood victims at the moment are electric torches, candles, lighters, and matches as some parts of the district still have no electricity.

Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn Senneam said more than 3,000 volunteers and soldiers would join together to clean up the district after the water receded and believed the cleaning operation would be complete within three days.

Hat Yai Mayor Prai Pattano said the basic infrastructure -- roads, piped water and electricity -- were gradually functioning and the most wanted commodities for flood victims now were clean drinking water, rice, dried foods and consumer goods.

Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) governor Narongsak Kamales said some parts of Hat Yai started to have electricity since 9pm last night but he warned the residents to carefully check the electrical system before turn on any switch.

Meanwhile, many provinces in the southern region are in critical condition, particularly Chumphon and Surat Thani.

At Luan Suan district of Chumphon, rescue workers brave the 3 metre deep tide of flood water to help villagers stranded at their homes.

At Chaiya district of Surat Thani, the authorities have issued warning of the overflow of Tapi River.

A Chaiya district authority said the water level remained stable around the district but the centre was receding after the rain has stopped. Plan would be crafted to help the stranded residents.

The road along Chaweng Beach on Ko Samui was submerged. The black-out occurred at tourism spots for the second day last night and many tourists stranded at their hotels.

Phang Nga and Nakhon Si Thammarat were under closed watched as the rain persisted.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said that as of 4pm on Wednesday, the death toll from flood disaster had reached 122. The casualties in the central and north eastern regions from Oct 10-Nov 3 were 110.

The death toll from the flood in four provinces of the southern region-Songkhla, Satun, Surat Thani and Pattani reached 12.

The department said 29 provinces nationwide remain flooded while 19 provinces are getting better and recovering.

The disaster and weather services also warned of heavy rainfall and thunder storm due to a tropical storm which crossing Andaman coastal areas, the central south, and middle Gulf of Thailand.

It said the residents in 14 southern provinces who live in at risk areas near mountainsides, waterways, lowland, to prepare for flash flood and inundation during Nov 4-7. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-11-04

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Flood victims'll never walk alone. Thai Kops auctioning club merchandise 2 raise relief funds. #lfc /via@tulsathit

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PM: Flood Improving in Ubon Ratchathani and Songkhla

The prime minister has reported that floodwater in Ubon Ratchathani province and Hat Yai are receding faster than anticipated.

However, shortages of food and drinking water remains a problem in many parts of the country.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said after returning from a trip to inspect the flood situation in Ubon Ratchathani province that the situation has been improving quicker than expected as the water has been draining from the area at a high volume.

After consulting with Deputy Interior Minister Thavorn Sennium, who is tasked with overseeing the flood situation in the South, the prime minister said the water has been constantly receding in the affected areas.

However, the remaining problem is the shortage of food and drinking water.

Abhisit ensured that the related agencies will be allocated sufficient funding to address these concerns.

The prime minister also said he is not concerned about the criticism made about the government for its handling of the flood situation.

He pointed out that all agencies have done their duties, and that those who have criticized the government may still be attached to the old ways of handling crises.

-- Tan Network 2010-11-04

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Mayor promises to restore Hat Yai in 3 days

Hat Yai Municipality Mayor Prai Pattano Thursday promised to restore the tourist town in three days.

He said Hat Yai residents now urgently need clean water for drinking and use.

He said the municipality needs volunteers the help clean up and restore the town so that it could return to normal as soon as possible.

"I'll need three days to restore everything back to normal, but it will also depend on the capacity of the Provincial Electricity Authority and Provincial Waterworks Authority as to whether they can resume their services or not," Prai said.

-- The Nation 2010-11-04

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Thai Rapper Helps Flood Relief Efforts

Follow this link:

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Deputy Interior Minister Thaworn distributes 240,000 bottles of drinking water given by King, Queen to flood victims in Hat Yai /MCOT

Nakhon Si Thammarat declares 17 out of 23 districts disaster zones after heavy rain /MCOT

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AFP: Thai Flood Death Toll Hits 122

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Looting in southern flood-hit provinces-Bt60,000 stolen from SCIB's Tapae branch in Nakhon Si Thammarat; looting at Hat Yai Big C /TAN_Network

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Thailand's being flooded, but politicians are debating video clips in Parliament. Pathetic.!!! /TR @aunonline /via@tulsathit

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PM is launching that 5,000 baht flood assistance program himself today in Korat / CH3 via@terryfrd

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Flooding on Koh Samui's roads receding but Chaweng Beach still see flooding at chest level; 4 ferry trips this afternoon /via@js100radio /TAN_Network

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Body of Songkhla's Chana District assistant district officer Watcharat Boonrit, swept away in floodwaters while helping victims Monday, recovered Thursday morning /MCOT

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Thai Red Cross want blood donations 4 flood victims. Go to HenriDunant HQ or chk mobile units 0 2256 4300, 0 2263 9600-99 ext1101,1760 /via @tulsathit

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Flood Situation Eases in Songkhla

Floodwaters in Songkhla province have receded in most areas, while electricity and television services have also resumed in some districts.

However, tap water remains out of service, as authorities estimated more than 10 billion baht in damages.

Songkhla Governor Winyoo Thongsakul said floodwaters have receded in most parts of the province, and electricity and television services have resumed operations in some areas.

He added that running water should be available by or Saturday.

Winyoo noted that what people need most at the moment is clean drinking water.

As for renovations, he said his office has dispatched teams of workers and volunteers to help repair houses, remove debris, and clean up the city.

Meanwhile, the provincial governor revealed that rescue staff are continuing their search for Jana district Chief Sub Lieutenant Wacharat Boonrit, who reportedly went missing while administering aid to flood victims.

Regarding the flood situation in Hat Yai, flood waters have subsided, leaving debris, trash, and mud everywhere.

People have begun to examine the damages and clean up their homes.

Since Monday, many southern provinces have been battered by flash floods caused by a depression.

In Songkhla province alone, damages have been estimated at over 10 billion baht.

Eleven people have been killed in the flooding.

-- Tan Network 2010-11-04

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Samui Airport resumes normal operations, seven South-bound rail routes resume services after flooding eases /MCOT

[lonelyrobot]

A couple of days ago I read that there was a tropical depression/cyclone that may hit hat yai fri/sat ... has anyone heard any update on this?

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12 killed in southern floods

Twelve people have been killed in southern floods which hit 11 provinces, the Civil Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department announced Thursday.

The department said 682,970 pepole from 196,304 families in 3,671 villages had been affected.

It said eight people were killed in Songkhla, 1 in Satoon, 1 in Surat Thani and 2 in Pattani.

-- The Nation 2010-11-04

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Trains to the South resume operation but end at Hat Yai station in Songkhla only. Call 1690 #thaiflood #Thairath /TR @wannasiri_tv /via@veen_NT

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Medical unit is now operating in front of BIG C Hat Yai. /via@Urisara_NT

[fxe1200]

A couple of days ago I read that there was a tropical depression/cyclone that may hit hat yai fri/sat ... has anyone heard any update on this?

Best is to regularly study the weathermaps for the movements of lows and highs from

http://www.tmd.go.th/en/weather_map.php

The most comprehensive weather information by the Thai Meteorical Department.

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Phuket buses, planes resume services to the South

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Mountain caving in feared in Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat - Rocks fell from a mountain near two villages here Thursday, prompting the villagers to fear that the mountain would cave in.

Rocks kept falling from the Khao Luang Mountain since early Thursday following heavy rains throughout Wednesday night.

Four houses in Moo 2 and Moo 6 villages were damaged by rocks.

By noon, thundering sounds happened on the mountain, prompting the villagers to flee from their houses to keep distance from the mountain.

-- The Nation 2010-11-04