New Flash-flood Alerts For North Thailand

[george]

Flash-flood alerts for North

NORTH THAILAND: -- The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department yesterday warned 19 provinces to prepare for possible flash floods, as inundation in the North has already killed seven and left nine others missing. “If more heavy downpours occur, flash floods and mudslides are possible in low-lying areas,” Sunthorn Riewluang, the department’s director-general, said yesterday.

He said the Meteorological Department warned that a low-pressure ridge in the South China Sea could upgrade into a storm, sending more heavy rain to Thailand’s North, Northeast and Eastern Seaboard.

“As a precautionary measure, people in high-risk areas should move their belongings to higher ground and keep abreast of weather forecasts,” said Sunthorn.

An informed source identified the following provinces as high-risk zones: Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Already, 741 villages in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang, Phayao and Lamphun have been inundated, affecting as many as 88,526 people, with seven dead, nine missing and 50 injured.

Flooding has also damaged 46 bridges, 68 roads, and 17,295 rai of farmland.

Narong Tananuwat, chairman of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the floods had caused huge economic losses. He estimated flood damage in this northern province alone at Bt1.5 billion.

However, Narong was convinced the inundation would affect Chiang Mai’s tourism only in the short term, as he expected the situation to return to normal within the next week.

Provincial Police Region 5 deputy commissioner Maj-General Suwat Kruengkrai said Marine Police were now patrolling along the Ping River in Chiang Mai, to prevent looting of flooded riverside homes. He added that police would help flood victims clean up their homes after the water had subsided.

Several schools in Chiang Mai remained closed yesterday because of the flooding. Education officials said the inundation damaged more than 60 schools in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.

Flash floods also piled up logs and branches all along a 25-kilometre stretch of Highway 1095, which links Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.

“We’re fixing the highway. It should be passable by Friday,” said Mae Hong Son highway chief Kasidis Wattanasap.

--The Nation 2005-08-18

[Shah Jahan]

i live in pai and everybody was very shaky last last with the big rain - it felt like the mountain was going to come down on us again

half the village is already destroyed -- much more causalties than reported -

but somehow we are pulling together

[kidtongue]

i live in pai and everybody was very shaky last last with the big rain - it felt like the mountain was going to come down on us again

half the village is already destroyed -- much more causalties than reported -

but somehow we are pulling together

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Wow, that's a shame. It's a lovely place but I thought trees need to be planmted along the river, if not for shade then for soil erosion. I assume the airstrip was washed out?

[george]

Bangkok Post update:

More storms, flooding on the way

NORTH THAILAND: -- Residents of seven northernmost provinces, still recovering from the weekend's record flooding, are being warned to brace for another battering by storms and floodwaters.

The Meteorological Department said a low pressure ridge is moving across the North and Northeast. Heavy downpours are predicted for today and the next two days.

The weekend floods that wrought havoc in the North caused economic losses estimated at 1.5 billion baht in Chiang Mai alone, said Narong Tananuwat, president of the provincial chamber of commerce yesterday.

The floods hit several key business centres including the popular Night Bazaar and Waroros market, which normally had a daily cash flow of over 100 million baht, Mr Narong said.

Clean-up and rehabilitation efforts were continuing and the chamber expected things to return to normal in about a week.

``We need to get everything back to normal as soon as possible to prevent further losses,'' he said.

Mr Narong welcomed the government's relief measures for businesses hit by the floods.

The Revenue Department has been told to delay tax collection and the Government Housing Bank ordered to grant 100% loans with annual interest of only 3.2% to flood victims.

The floods also hit parts of the ancient town of Wiang Kum Kam, now a historical park, but the full extent of the damage was still being surveyed by the Fine Arts Department yesterday.

More than 60 schools in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son were affected. Some will be closed for a week, including Prince Royal School.

Highway 1095, linking Pai and Pang Ma Pha districts in Mae Hong Son province, is due to reopen tomorrow.

The road was covered in parts with mud, logs and debris swept along by flood water. A 60m concrete bridge across the Lao river in Chiang Rai also subsided after the flooding and has been closed pending repair.

A little to the south, Sukhothai township is bracing for flood run-off from provinces upstream, but was yesterday declared safe.

Governor Sukij Charoernrattanakul said the inner areas were protected by 7.5m-high embankments and would be spared from floodwater if the Yom river overflowed.

He said provincial authorities would maintain vigilance for another week. Villagers on both sides of the river were also keeping a round-the-clock watch on the river's water level.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Bhumibol dam's reservoir had room for more water and he did not think there would be more severe flooding in the North.

When asked about the controversial Kaeng Sua Ten dam project, he said cost-effectiveness would be a primary concern when the government decided whether or not to build reservoirs to serve as ``flood brakes''.

--Bangkok Post 2005-08-18

[cobra]

Amazing,

I floated the Ping a few years ago, at some places it wasn't much more than a creek,

Hoping things get better before they get worse ..

[Head Snake]

So is the drought over?

THat's the worst thing to have a drought before big rains.

As my favorite person lives in Udon Thani, I will rub my buddha to wish her good luck

[Jai Dee]

THE DEPUTY INTERIOR MINISTER BELIEVES CHIANG MAI WILL BE RESTORED TO NORMAL WITHIN 2 WEEKS

The deputy interior minister believes Chiang Mai could be restored to its normal condition within 2 weeks. Meanwhile, he has urged local administrations to quickly survey damaged areas.

Deputy Interior Minister Somchai Suntharawat (สมชาย สุนทรวัฒน์) said after his inspection of flood-stricken areas in Chiang Mai that from his meeting with the public, most had understood the problem, and were happy that the government had provided immediate assistance once the problem occurred. Mr. Somchai said this was because the prime minister had told all ministers to address the problem to the fullest extent. He said that in his part as the caretaker for local budgets, he was ready to immediately approve budgets for alleviating the troubles. He also asserted that the existing budget was sufficient for the rehabilitation.

Mr. Somchai indicated that he was confident Chiang Mai will be restored back to normal within 2 weeks. The initial damage report has been put at roughly 1.5 billion baht, while local administrations have been told to quickly survey damaged areas and report back to the Department of Local Administration for urgent budget approvals.

Source: thaisnews.com

[Jai Dee]

THE METEOROLOGY DEPARTMENT HAS INDICATED THAT THE SUKHOTHAI WATER SITUATION HAS STARTED TO IMPROVE

The Meteorology Department has indicated that the water situation in Sukhothai Province has started to improve. However, people are asked to closely follow-up on the situation, as heavy rain is still likely, and this could cause more flooding.

Last night, the Meteorology Department Director-General, Supharerk Tansrirattanawong (ศุภฤกษ์ ตันศรีรัตนวงษ์), inspected the water situation in Sukhothai Province, finding that it has started to improve in some areas. Water levels are declining in many areas, while the level in the municipal area was stable. Rain is still falling in the province, but only slightly.

The director-general said the water situation in Sukhothai could still be controlled. He also asked that people in the upper parts of the northern region be on the lookout, as flash flooding could occur.

Meanwhile the Meteorological Department last night reported increases in water levels in many waterways. This condition could cause breaches of some riverbanks. Especially noted were waterways in Nan's Thawangpha (ท่าวังผา) District, and the Khong (โขง) River in Nakhonpanom and Mukdahan. People in the aforementioned areas are thus urged to closely follow weather forecasts, or attain details at www.tmd.go.th

Source: thaisnews.com

[Puma]

An informed source identified the following provinces as high-risk zones: Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao

I don’t think Tak is in any problems because the most of the province is below the Bhumibul dam and it still about 30 meter to fill the lake above the dame I was up at the dam today and the water was not high. And the lake could storage 13,462 million m3.

Where cane I fined a translation of the space the King Bhumibol had yesterday in television?

[Puma]

Amazing,

I floated the Ping a few years ago, at some places it wasn't much more than a creek, 

Hoping things get better before they get worse ..

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Below the Bhumibul dam, EGAT control the water flow on holy-days

[Puma]

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said Bhumibol dam's reservoir had room for more water and he did not think there would be more severe flooding in the North.

????????? The dam prevent the water to flooding south of the dam not North

[george]

Fresh flood warnings as two rivers rise

BANGKOK: -- Flood warnings have been issued for low-lying areas near the Ing River in the north and the Chee River in the northeast, as levels in both rivers rise rapidly.

Floodwaters associated with the Lao River In the northern province of Mae Hong Son have subsided, but three districts remain at risk from the Ing River, the head of the local hydrology centre Preecha Rattanasing said.

Local residents in the districts of Toeng, Chiang Khong, and Wieng Kaen have been warned to brace for flooding and to be prepared to evacuate to higher ground if the situation worsens.

The Chiang Rai governor and officials from the provincial Red Cross today distributed 2,000 bags of relief supplies donated by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to flood victims in the province.

The governor said officials have been ordered to step up their efforts to help those in the flood-affected areas, and to survey the damage caused by the inundation before more flooding hits.

In the northeastern province of Yasothon, floodwaters in five districts have receded, but three days of heavy rain have seen the level of the Chee River rise. The Chee is one of the two main rivers of the northeast.

Irrigation officials have had to open sluice gates to drain water to the Moon River; the local authority has also sent flat-bottom boats to 16 districts as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, the flood problem in Chiang Mai and Lamphun has alleviated with the run-off flowing into the reservoir of the Bhumipol dam.(

--TNA 2005-08-19

[george]

Floods threaten ancient temples

CHIANG MAI: -- While the floodwaters in Chiang Mai are receding, the water level at the historic Wiang Kum Kam temple complex remains high and is likely to inflict serious damage on the 700-year-old structure, senior archaeologist Sahawat Naenna said yesterday.

In other flood-related news yesterday, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said yesterday it planned to build 27,396 small dams across canals and tributaries of the Ping River as part of a long-term plan to develop more effective water-management and flood-prevention programmes.

The entire scheme covers a 724-km stretch of the Ping River basin and connects five provinces from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Sawan.

Archaeologist Sahawat said inspection and subsequent restoration work on the Wiang Kum Kam complex would begin as soon as the water level recedes.

Of the 28 historic structures located within the 800-rai temple complex in Saraphi district, 26 are completely inundated. Another 14 historic sites outside the Wing Kum Kam complex are also underwater but unlikely to be damaged by the floodwater, Sahawat said.

Regarding the Ping River basin project, Department of Water Resources director-general Sanong Janthaninthorn said the entire development package would cost more than Bt1 billion. The project includes the restoration of 127,000 rai of water-resource forest and 5,200 rai of other forested areas.

The project is part of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry’s larger scheme to develop water-management and flood-prevention plans in all 25 major river basins nationwide, a 20-year project which could cost Bt200 billion, Sanong said.

In Chiang Mai, the floodwater level in suburban areas has decreased but the situation elsewhere has not improved. The total number of households affected by the flooding stood at 30,000 yesterday, with around 80,000 individuals affected. Half of the businesses in Chiang Mai’s Muang municipality were damaged.

The death toll for flooding nationwide stood at 10 yesterday, according to the Interior Ministry’s Department of Public Disaster Prevention and Relief (DPDPR).

The eight provinces affected are Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang, Phayao, Lamphun and Sukhothai.

The DPDPR said the flooding displaced or adversely affected 140,914 people in 35,862 households from 1,151 villages in the eight provinces. Those villages spanned 52 districts and 4 sub-districts.

While water levels in the Yom River section of Sukhothai’s Muang district have decreased, levels in the Bang Rakam district in Phitsanulok have been increasing, though not to a critical level, local officials said.

Public Health Minister Suchai Charoenratanakul alerted Chiang Mai residents to the possibility of outbreaks of diseases such as leptospirosis and diarrhoea. A total of 2,500 sets of medical supplies and protective body gear have been distributed to residents in Mae Taeng, Saraphi and Muang districts.

--The Nation 2005-08-19

[george]

Continued flash flood warnings as waters rage in Lower North Region

BANGKOK: -- The Disaster Relief Department today warned villagers in the Lower North of the continuing possibility of flashfloods following torrential rains in their region.

Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation director general Sunthorn Riewluang asked residents of the Lower Northern provinces of Phichit, Phrae, Phitsanulok and Nakhon Sawan to pay attention to warnings abouts torrential rains and flooding.

The flood-filled waters of the Yom and Nan rivers have begun to rise and spill into low-lying areas of those provinces, Mr. Sunthorn said.

Similar warnings were issued for villages in the upper Northeastern provinces of Loei and Nong Khai where Mekong River waters have begun to rise due to heavy downpours.

Meanwhile, daily life in the northern provinces of Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Mae Hong Son, Lampang and Lampoon have begun to return to normal, though authorities remain 'on alert' in low-lying districts of Chiang Mai and Sukhothai, Mr Sunthorn said.

The authorities are rushing to provide relief for victims who may have been injured, or without food or had their homes damaged by flash floods in those provinces.

Food supplies and basic items for daily living will be distributed to flood-affected villagers while damaged roads, bridges and lodgings will be repaired.

--TNA 2005-08-19

[george]

Flood warning issued as Mekong river rises

BANGKOK: -- A flood warning has been issued in several northeastern provinces as the water level in the Mekong river continues to rise.

But the upper North, inundated last week by the worst floods in decades, has already dried up.

The Mekong has already spilled its banks in Ubon Ratchathani's Khong Chiam and Khemarat districts, forcing the evacuation of many families to higher ground.

The river's water level is rising by 20-40 centimetres per day. Flood alerts have also been issued in Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan, through which the Mekong also passes. In Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and other upper northern provinces, floodwaters have receded and the situation has returned to normal, said Royal Irrigation Department chief Samart Chokekhanapithak.

Mr Samart said his agency and the Meteorological Department are setting up a computer database on river basins, so that river levels could be constantly monitored.

Pichai Rattana-nakhon, an irrigation department director, said since the Bhumibol dam in Tak and the Sirikit dam in Uttaradit can still receive a lot of water, provinces in the lower North, including Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok and Uttaradit were still safe from floods.

--The Post 2005-08-20

[meburris]

Flash-flood alerts for North

NORTH THAILAND: -- The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department yesterday warned 19 provinces to prepare for possible flash floods, as inundation in the North has already killed seven and left nine others missing. “If more heavy downpours occur, flash floods and mudslides are possible in low-lying areas,” Sunthorn Riewluang, the department’s director-general, said yesterday.

He said the Meteorological Department warned that a low-pressure ridge in the South China Sea could upgrade into a storm, sending more heavy rain to Thailand’s North, Northeast and Eastern Seaboard.

“As a precautionary measure, people in high-risk areas should move their belongings to higher ground and keep abreast of weather forecasts,” said Sunthorn.

An informed source identified the following provinces as high-risk zones: Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Already, 741 villages in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang, Phayao and Lamphun have been inundated, affecting as many as 88,526 people, with seven dead, nine missing and 50 injured.

Flooding has also damaged 46 bridges, 68 roads, and 17,295 rai of farmland.

Narong Tananuwat, chairman of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the floods had caused huge economic losses. He estimated flood damage in this northern province alone at Bt1.5 billion.

However, Narong was convinced the inundation would affect Chiang Mai’s tourism only in the short term, as he expected the situation to return to normal within the next week.

Provincial Police Region 5 deputy commissioner Maj-General Suwat Kruengkrai said Marine Police were now patrolling along the Ping River in Chiang Mai, to prevent looting of flooded riverside homes. He added that police would help flood victims clean up their homes after the water had subsided.

Several schools in Chiang Mai remained closed yesterday because of the flooding. Education officials said the inundation damaged more than 60 schools in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.

Flash floods also piled up logs and branches all along a 25-kilometre stretch of Highway 1095, which links Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.

“We’re fixing the highway. It should be passable by Friday,” said Mae Hong Son highway chief Kasidis Wattanasap.

--The Nation 2005-08-18

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[meburris]

Flash-flood alerts for North

NORTH THAILAND: -- The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department yesterday warned 19 provinces to prepare for possible flash floods, as inundation in the North has already killed seven and left nine others missing. “If more heavy downpours occur, flash floods and mudslides are possible in low-lying areas,” Sunthorn Riewluang, the department’s director-general, said yesterday.

He said the Meteorological Department warned that a low-pressure ridge in the South China Sea could upgrade into a storm, sending more heavy rain to Thailand’s North, Northeast and Eastern Seaboard.

“As a precautionary measure, people in high-risk areas should move their belongings to higher ground and keep abreast of weather forecasts,” said Sunthorn.

An informed source identified the following provinces as high-risk zones: Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Khon Kaen, Sakon Nakhon, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chanthaburi and Trat.

Already, 741 villages in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Lampang, Phayao and Lamphun have been inundated, affecting as many as 88,526 people, with seven dead, nine missing and 50 injured.

Flooding has also damaged 46 bridges, 68 roads, and 17,295 rai of farmland.

Narong Tananuwat, chairman of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the floods had caused huge economic losses. He estimated flood damage in this northern province alone at Bt1.5 billion.

However, Narong was convinced the inundation would affect Chiang Mai’s tourism only in the short term, as he expected the situation to return to normal within the next week.

Provincial Police Region 5 deputy commissioner Maj-General Suwat Kruengkrai said Marine Police were now patrolling along the Ping River in Chiang Mai, to prevent looting of flooded riverside homes. He added that police would help flood victims clean up their homes after the water had subsided.

Several schools in Chiang Mai remained closed yesterday because of the flooding. Education officials said the inundation damaged more than 60 schools in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Mae Hong Son.

Flash floods also piled up logs and branches all along a 25-kilometre stretch of Highway 1095, which links Chiang Mai and Mae Hong Son.

“We’re fixing the highway. It should be passable by Friday,” said Mae Hong Son highway chief Kasidis Wattanasap.

--The Nation 2005-08-18

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[meburris]

Hello

What is the latest word on the flash flood situation in Chiang Mai. I anticipate returning to CNX next month. I would appreciate an update