Preparing For The Flood?

[cameozo]

Should I start preparing for the flood? Would it be going too far to buy weeks of supplies along with whatever else I might need were I to be trapped in my home? If Bangkok floods how long will it be flooded for?

[khun_j]

depends where you live - i live near minburi and the supermarket was kind of getting empty yesterday - really got the last 1 litre-bottles of water, the bigger ones were _all_ gone...no mineral water left, only the normal drinking water. whoa!

empty shelves as well for many cans & mama soups, beer as well.

maybe you should get some batteries/candles in case of electricity failure as well. don´t forget sandbags, although they are sold out at most places.

i´m actually moving everything possible up to the second floor- can´t harm but it´s one h*ll of a job...

[JackRyan]

depends where you live - i live near minburi and the supermarket was kind of getting empty yesterday - really got the last 1 litre-bottles of water, the bigger ones were _all_ gone...no mineral water left, only the normal drinking water. whoa!

empty shelves as well for many cans & mama soups, beer as well.

maybe you should get some batteries/candles in case of electricity failure as well. don´t forget sandbags, although they are sold out at most places.

i´m actually moving everything possible up to the second floor- can´t harm but it´s one h*ll of a job...

I'm in Minburi as well and have been doing the same.

I'm taking the car to airport parking tomorrow, only safe place

Getting a little worried now especially with having wife and daughter to think about

[Scott]

I also live in Minburi and have no idea just what the situation is. I have asked some of the neighbors, but they don't seem to be too concerned.

I wish there was more information as to the probability of flooding, areas most likely to be effected and how serious the flooding will likely be--I mean the road flooded is one thing. A meter of water is something else and sitting on the roof is a whole different scenario.

I know we can't get concrete answers, but estimates and probabilities would be helpful.

[beano2274]

Live in Nonthaburi, noticed the Thais panic buying at Tescos on Saturday, all the mama noodles gone, water gone, and a few other things were already gone when I got there.

[EnSvenskTiger]

My friend just came home from Lotus and many things are sold out! This is in the s of Bangkok and we can hardly have any flooding her but just the same I will turn the truck towards the gate tomorow morning.Not looking good!Tiger

[user82374298374]

I've looked at the available information online vis-a-vis flood protection in Bangkok, but my lack of Thai language skills is a bit of a hindrance, unfortunately.

Informed opinion about whether the lower Sukhumvit area (i.e., near Nana BTS/Sois 3 - 23) will potentially be affected by the anticipated flooding would be greatly appreciated!

[Arkady]

I've looked at the available information online vis-a-vis flood protection in Bangkok, but my lack of Thai language skills is a bit of a hindrance, unfortunately.

Informed opinion about whether the lower Sukhumvit area (i.e., near Nana BTS/Sois 3 - 23) will potentially be affected by the anticipated flooding would be greatly appreciated!

No one knows for sure but I have seen the whole of lower Sukhumvit from Nana to Asoke and beyond under half a metre of water in the late 80s and in the 1995 floods. No doubt it could happen again.

The Thai authorities seem content to take the usual Asian approach of wanting to give the good news first and the bad news later, e.g. the Transport Minister announced his heroic decision to save Thailand's electronics industry by flooding the Asian Highway, thereby cutting off the main North to South route, in order to keep the floods out of the Rojana Industrial Estate. Unfortunately that didn't work but on Sunday the PM announced triumphantly that only phase 1 of Rojana was flooded but phases 2 and 3 had been heroically saved by the minister's timely action. No further update from the government after that. It was left to the CEO of Rojana to announce that all three phases were completely submerged by up to three metres of water which cannot be pumped out for the foreseeable future, resulting in a 14% plunge in Rojana's stock price.

It is best not to believe anything the Thai authorities say and prepare for the worst.

[bkkjames]

At our condo on the river we have a 'high' wall with a few sandbags in front of the gate to the boat pier. On Sunday I noticed one of those important people (wearing one of those black jackets signifies this I believe) chatting with someone from the condo office. This morning about 10 more sandbags appeared overnight. I feel safer already.

[robblok]

I live in nonthaburi only to be woken up with to be told that they are closing the village. No cars can go out anymore. So the wife drove (20 min ago) the car out to a friend who owns a condo with high parking.

So i decided to move the fridge alone up the steps. I can tell you that is heavy and not easy to do. I was under the impression we were about to flood. (wasnt thinking clear still half sleepy). Damaged it a lil (not too much).

But still no signs of water in the village.

[bkkjames]

Rob, be sure to use your squat belt when lifting fridges .

Btw, the river down here near kbank ho seems higher than normal this am. (Compared to the already higher than normal situation over the last two weeks)

[robblok]

Rob, be sure to use your squat belt when lifting fridges .

Btw, the river down here near kbank ho seems higher than normal this am. (Compared to the already higher than normal situation over the last two weeks)

Im calmed down now Just wasnt thinking straight.

Anyway i never use a squat belt i just use correct form. Though i must admit with a fridge that is a bit hard 5555555555

[robblok]

I am not so much worried about the rain but about other provinces dams breaking. I am at least 10 or more km from the river. Still at the moment they are having some problems with the rain as we cant seem to pump the excess water out. They say this village has never been flooded but im sure that is the case in other places that are now underwater.

No water at the streets yet, im normally quite calm but i don't like it that i don't know what is coming. I must say im pretty sure that in England or Holland they would have at least cards with sea level heights and place prown to overflowing and some scenarios ready.

Here its anyone's guess. But that is what you get for living in a country like this. You can't expect much competence.

[leo12345]

I live in nonthaburi only to be woken up with to be told that they are closing the village. No cars can go out anymore. So the wife drove (20 min ago) the car out to a friend who owns a condo with high parking.

So i decided to move the fridge alone up the steps. I can tell you that is heavy and not easy to do. I was under the impression we were about to flood. (wasnt thinking clear still half sleepy). Damaged it a lil (not too much).

But still no signs of water in the village.

Where in Nonthaburi are you? I am in Soi Watprangeun about 3km towards Bang Yai from Tesco and our village has only water from rain, but they are not doing a good job of pumping it out.

Last year they built up the road about 80cm higher and now the water outside the village is just on level with the road.

Got the sandbags ready but it will need to go up atleast another metre+ to reach.

[robblok]

I live in nonthaburi only to be woken up with to be told that they are closing the village. No cars can go out anymore. So the wife drove (20 min ago) the car out to a friend who owns a condo with high parking.

So i decided to move the fridge alone up the steps. I can tell you that is heavy and not easy to do. I was under the impression we were about to flood. (wasnt thinking clear still half sleepy). Damaged it a lil (not too much).

But still no signs of water in the village.

Where in Nonthaburi are you? I am in Soi Watprangeun about 3km towards Bang Yai from Tesco and our village has only water from rain, but they are not doing a good job of pumping it out.

Last year they built up the road about 80cm higher and now the water outside the village is just on level with the road.

Got the sandbags ready but it will need to go up atleast another metre+ to reach.

I am 4 km from big king Bangyai towards sai noi. Historically it has never been flooded. Just like in your village they are not doing a good job pumping the water out. So far no water on the streets. But the drainage is filled to its limits. I think there is no where to go.

But i don't worry too much about that its the water runoff from the rivers that i worry about. We are not close too it but if its loads and loads you never know.

[bkkmick]

I was at Seacon Square (Srinakorin) last night. It was really difficult to get a parking space. On the roof all the parking spaces were taken with lots of double parking. There are many cars with covers over them (there for the duration). Obviously people getting their cars into a high, dry place.

[robblok]

I was at Seacon Square (Srinakorin) last night. It was really difficult to get a parking space. On the roof all the parking spaces were taken with lots of double parking. There are many cars with covers over them (there for the duration). Obviously people getting their cars into a high, dry place.

We dont need our car for day to day commuting so we brought it to a safe place too. Still thinking what to do with my 2 motorbikes. 1 is a scooter and i dont care to much if something happens to it. The other is a new CBR250R Abs so that is a bit more expensive.

My advice would be for anyone in risk area's get your car out while you can. Just take taxi's for a while as long as they run.

[JackRyan]

It seems that fore those of us living in Minburi, Klong Samwa and Lat Krabang are being sacrificed for the benefit of the city.

It looks like every man for themselves at the moment.

yesterday the airport car park was free but filling up fast. At least the car is now safe. Insurance does not cover floods in most cases

Edited October 11, 2011 by JackRyan

[Spaniel]

It seems that fore those of us living in Minburi, Klong Samwa and Lat Krabang are being sacrificed for the benefit of the city.

It looks like every man for themselves at the moment.

yesterday the airport car park was free but filling up fast. At least the car is now safe. Insurance does not cover floods in most cases

Where in Minburi are you? We live off Ramindra Soi 109. In our housing estate some people near the entrance have sandbagged their driveways but most farther back in the housing area, including us, have not. We will be moving one of the cars to wife's sister house and will get everything on ground floor raised up or where practical moved upstairs. Also the usual, flashlight, candles, water food.

[JackRyan]

I'm in Thanon Samwa.

Our Moobahn made sandbags last night to put at the entrance, but there is not enough really. We can't find anymore sand so what we have will just have to do.

It is a beautiful day here. It's like the calm before the storm.

Who knows what will happen, maybe nothing at all. It's anyones guess.

It seems that fore those of us living in Minburi, Klong Samwa and Lat Krabang are being sacrificed for the benefit of the city.

It looks like every man for themselves at the moment.

yesterday the airport car park was free but filling up fast. At least the car is now safe. Insurance does not cover floods in most cases

Where in Minburi are you? We live off Ramindra Soi 109. In our housing estate some people near the entrance have sandbagged their driveways but most farther back in the housing area, including us, have not. We will be moving one of the cars to wife's sister house and will get everything on ground floor raised up or where practical moved upstairs. Also the usual, flashlight, candles, water food.

[ayayay]

1. How much water does one needs per day, and I am not talking about using it for cooking etc, just basic needs.

2. How long will the flooding last? Anyone knows, anyone hear any estimations?

Edited October 11, 2011 by ayayay

[bkkjames]

my office building in central bangkok just received another load of sandbags.

[JackRyan]

I reckon just to drink I go through about 3l per day and overnight. If you have a bath tub fill it up to use for washing etc. I have been through floods before.

You need more food and water than you think, the more the better.

Flooding can last from days to months sadly. I know that's not much help but it is reality.

I wouldn't think it would be that way for BKK though. If it ever stops raining it should clear up quite quickly.

1. How much water does one needs per day, and I am not talking about using it for cooking etc, just basic needs.

2. How long will the flooding last? Anyone knows, anyone hear any estimations?

[Arkady]

Living in a house in Bkk within the flood walls I have made some preparations that may be either over the top or totally ineffective but seem better than doing nothing. House is about 1 metre up from the soi which can flood up to about 15 cm in heavy storms and has peep holes in the outer walls about 40 cm up from the pavement that is 15 cm high. I have ordered H blocks to be laid in front of the wall with cement as a temporary structure to cover the peep holes up to one metre up and sand bags to block the front drive to the same level. The sand bags are quoted at Bt50 each and are hard to get but we have a builder looking for them. I am ordering a pump and have just ordered a generator, the last one available from the supplier. I am sure that our electricity will go out if there is flooding and the pump would be useless without a generator. We get brown-outs in the slightest rainfall due to incompetence and/or corruption in our village management association. We will park our two cars in the multi story car park of my mother-in-law's condo tomorrow. I have ordered enough silicone to seal up the French windows and front and back doors, as a last ditch effort, in the event our flood barrier is breached. We have got some large plastic dustbins to fill with water for washing, in case the water is cut off or we have no power to pump it into the taps. We have stocked up with emergency rations, drinking water, torches, batteries and mosquito repellent, in case we have to open windows to sleep without air or fans. Finally we are moving valuables upstairs or raising them on furniture.

As I say, it will probably end up being either useless or unnecessary but it makes me I have done something.

Edited October 11, 2011 by Arkady

[BIGTOE3]

Please find the floodwaters situation (by SOS) in Thailand as following;

Thailand: Authorities prepare evacuation plans as floodwaters move downstream towards Bangkok

The level of the Chao Phraya river, which runs south from Nakhon Sawan province, through the capital Bangkok, and into the Gulf of Thailand, continued to rise on 10 October. The river's water level is expected to peak in Nakhon Sawan on 11-12 October and in the central provinces on 13-16 October, before reaching the capital Bangkok between 16 and 18 October. Areas along the banks of the river will consequently be inundated.

Bangkok

Some minor flooding was reported on 8-9 October in several areas in the north and east of Bangkok, including the Ratchayothin, Lat Phrao and Kaset intersections, and Vibhavadi Rangsit, Ram Intra, Ratchadaphisek, Chaeng Watthana, Lat Phrao Soi 22 and Ngam Wong Wan roads. Access routes to Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) were not affected.

The authorities have prepared evacuation plans for the following 13 districts: Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Samphan Thawong, Bang Kholaem, Yannawa, Khlong Toei, Bang Phlat, Bangkok Noi, Thon Buri, Khlong San, Rat Burana and Watthana. Military bases are being used as evacuation centres and the government has set up an emergency flood relief centre at Don Mueang Airport (DMK).

The areas expected to be worst affected in the coming days are the eastern districts of Nong Chok, Khlong Sam Wa, Lat Krabang and Min Buri. Additionally, the following roads are most at risk of flooding over the next week:

Chan Road-St Louise-Sathu Pradit (Sathon district)

Prahon Yothin Road (central Phaya Thai district)

Sukhumvit Soi 105 (Bang Na district)

Sukhumvit Soi 39 and 49 (Watthana district)

Lat Phrao Road (Wang Thonglang district)

Navamin Road (Bung Kum district)

Ratchadaphisek Road (Din Daeng district)

Lat Phrao intersection on Ratchadaphisek Road (Chatuchak district)

Ratchathewi intersection on Phetchaburi Road (Ratchathewi district)

Nikhom Makkasan Road (Ratchathewi district)

Phetchakasem Soi 63 (Bang Kae district)

Yen Akat Road (Yannawa district)

Srinakarintara Road (Prawet district)

Sanam Chai-Maha Rat Road (Phra Nakhon district)

Elsewhere

Thirty of the country's 76 provinces are affected by flooding. They are: Sukhothai, Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chiang Mai, Roi-et, Lampang, Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Kamphaeng Phet and Tak.

Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Ayutthaya, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Angthong, Lop Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Chacheongsao have been particularly impacted and preparations for emergency evacuations are under way there. The Chao Phraya river overflowed its banks on 9 October in Nonthaburi, causing some flooding in Pak Kret, Bang Bua Thong and Sai Noi districts.

The worst-affected province remains Ayutthaya. Heavy rainfall in recent days has caused significant flooding in the provincial capital Ayutthaya, including the inundation of Rojana Industrial Park in Uthai district, which has forced the closure of the nearly 200 factories located there. Route 32, which links Ayutthaya with neighbouring provinces and Bangkok, is closed to all but military vehicles. Across the country, 60 highways and 154 rural roads are inundated. Road and rail links between Bangkok and the northern provinces are particularly affected, including the Asian Highway.

Comment and Analysis

The flood situation will remain critical in several areas in the coming days, with a possibility of significant inundation in the capital when floodwaters moving downstream towards Bangkok coincide with high tides in mid-October. Although the authorities have employed preventative measures in the capital, including additional water pumps and sand bags as well as the dredging of canals to allow for greater capacity, the high volume of water in Chao Phraya combined with continuing rainfall means that some flooding is inevitable, particularly in districts located along the river's banks. Precedent has shown that flooding in Bangkok can bring the city's already gridlocked traffic to a standstill, and can lead to the breakdown of traffic lights and a subsequent rise in road accidents. Floodwaters can also often take considerable time to drain from certain sections of roads. BTS Skytrain stations are unlikely to be affected as station entrances are elevated above ground and equipped with built-in floodgates.

The Thai Meteorological Department has forecast thunderstorms and heavy rain across the country over the coming week, which will continue to exacerbate the situation in the worst flood-affected areas and hamper relief efforts. Overland travel will remain subject to delays until conditions improve; roads in urban and rural areas may be blocked by floodwaters or debris, necessitating lengthy detours. Intermittent disruption to rail and bus services should also be anticipated due to landslides and the inundation of tracks and roads. Disruption to air travel in affected areas is also possible during periods of severe weather, particularly if heavy rainfall submerges airport runways, while passengers can be trapped at regional airports if floodwaters inundate roads between airports and their adjacent cities. Travellers will continue to experience travel difficulties for the duration of the rainy season, which typically runs from late May until November. Even after the precipitation subsides, the severity of the inundation means that floodwaters may take some time to recede, particularly in more rural areas, and clean-up operations could take months

[bkkjames]

Nice post Big Toe (SOS is ?) Brit Embassy? and why does the BTS need or what is ... BTS Skytrain stations are unlikely to be affected as station entrances are elevated above ground and equipped with built-in floodgates.

No mention of the Subway though.

[BIGTOE3]

Nice post Big Toe (SOS is ?) Brit Embassy? and why does the BTS need or what is ... BTS Skytrain stations are unlikely to be affected as station entrances are elevated above ground and equipped with built-in floodgates.

No mention of the Subway though.

Links to SOS below James but not sure about BTS floodgates etc. Would appear to be an independent organisation as they also give a good check list.

www.control-risks.com www.internationalsos.com

Travel Security Services

Emergency Supply Guidelines

In any emergency situation it is vital that you have sufficiently prepared yourself, at both

your home and office, to be able to survive for up to 72 hours before emergency services

may be able to assist you.

The information below is designed to assist you in preparing for an emergency, and ensuring you

have sufficient food, water and emergency supplies on hand to be self sufficient.

Suggested Emergency Supplies for Home and Office

Three-day supply of nonperishable food and manual can opener per person.

Three-day supply of bottled water (minimum of 4 liters of water per person, per day) for

drinking, cooking and hygiene.

Portable, battery-powered radio or television, and spare batteries.

Mobile phone and spare battery or alternate power source. Satellite Phone (for remote

locations)

Flashlight and extra batteries. A head torch is preferred as it allows use of both hands in

an emergency situation

Sturdy pocket utility knife, such as a multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife

First aid kit and manual.

Special needs items such as prescription medications, eye glasses, contact lens solution,

and hearing aid batteries.

Sanitation and hygiene items (hand sanitizer, toilet paper etc).

Matches in waterproof container.

Whistle.

Full change of clothing and blankets.

Gas cooking stove and cooking utensils.

Plastic plates, bowls, cups and utensils.

Sturdy plastic rubbish bags with ties.

Essential documentation. Photocopies of identification.

Cash reserve. Sufficient for basic needs for 7 days.

Items for infants, such as formula, diapers/nappies, bottles, and pacifiers/dummies.

Tools such as shovel, crow bar and axe, pet supplies, a map of the local area, and other

items to meet specific family / office needs.

Suggested non perishable foods include:

- Canned goods including meat, fruit, and vegetables.

- High energy food such as peanut butter, tinned nuts, temperature stabilized chocolate, hard

candy, muesli bars etc

Additional Items that could be useful:

- Roll of reinforced duct tape for repairing shelter or sealing gaps.

- Items such as books or deck of cards to help pass time.

- Signalling device such as signal mirror, flare or panel to attract attention of emergency services.

BT

[bkkjames]

Thanks bt, but really think they need 2 can openers per person.

[JackRyan]

What you are doing is great. You can never do too much to prepare.

The waiting is the worst part. I just want to get it over with

Living in a house in Bkk within the flood walls I have made some preparations that may be either over the top or totally ineffective but seem better than doing nothing. House is about 1 metre up from the soi which can flood up to about 15 cm in heavy storms and has peep holes in the outer walls about 40 cm up from the pavement that is 15 cm high. I have ordered H blocks to be laid in front of the wall with cement as a temporary structure to cover the peep holes up to one metre up and sand bags to block the front drive to the same level. The sand bags are quoted at Bt50 each and are hard to get but we have a builder looking for them. I am ordering a pump and have just ordered a generator, the last one available from the supplier. I am sure that our electricity will go out if there is flooding and the pump would be useless without a generator. We get brown-outs in the slightest rainfall due to incompetence and/or corruption in our village management association. We will park our two cars in the multi story car park of my mother-in-law's condo tomorrow. I have ordered enough silicone to seal up the French windows and front and back doors, as a last ditch effort, in the event our flood barrier is breached. We have got some large plastic dustbins to fill with water for washing, in case the water is cut off or we have no power to pump it into the taps. We have stocked up with emergency rations, drinking water, torches, batteries and mosquito repellent, in case we have to open windows to sleep without air or fans. Finally we are moving valuables upstairs or raising them on furniture.

As I say, it will probably end up being either useless or unnecessary but it makes me I have done something.

[ukrules]

In my building they posted a warning about people parking their cars on the ground floor of the car park in case it floods.

One guy here told me he's seen 50cm of water in the past. Asok area.

I've never seen any flooding in the immediate area outside my apartment building no matter how hard it rains but if it comes up from the drains then I guess it's quite possible. I've only been here about a year and a half though.