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Narrow escapes from Lampang flash flood

By The Nation

Residents in five villages in Lampang's Mae Moh district last night narrowly escaped a flashflood that swept through their homes after five hours of heavy downpours.

It was the fourth flashflood to hit the village, the residents said, citing their experience for being prepared and the lack of casualties after enduring onemetre floodwaters late Wednesday night for three hours before the waters receded at dawn.

Some villagers stranded in their homes had been rescued, and the Mister Warning system had been activated for these villages and other areas frequently hit by flashfloods to be ready for action, the district office said.

Residents living in lowlying areas in the Yom, Nan and Chao Phya River basins covering many provinces were advised to brace for flashfloods and flooding due to seasonal peak tides.

Those living in northeastern provinces near the Mekong River were given the same advice by irrigation offices, especially in the same peak tide period beginning next week.

In the lower North, peak tides and rainwater trapped at major dam reservoirs were major concerns for irrigation officials.

They hoped they could release some of the water southwards without inundating lowlying areas while not holding the reservoirs at constantlyfull capacity, especially at the everbrimming Bhumibol Dam in Tak.

The number of flooded provinces dropped from 12 to 11 with Uttaradit exiting the crisis, according to an official update released yesterday.

However, the death toll rose by two to 31, and one person remained missing.

An initial estimate of the damage and restoration and repair costs will be completed soon so that emergency financial assistance could be advanced to the flood victims, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said.

-- The Nation 2011-08-19