Bangkok Residents Advised To Start Storing Tap Water

[webfact]

Mega waves still to come

Somruthai Sapsomboon,

Panya Thiewsangwan,

Prapasri Osathanon

Two masses of water set to swamp north, east of city; Bangkokians advised to start storing tap water

While the flood situation in Bangkok remained relatively stable over the weekend, the capital faces the threat of deluge from two huge masses of water northeast of the city over coming days, a senior Royal Irrigation Department official warned yesterday.

"The first mass of water has left Rangsit canal briming, and spilling over the parallel Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok road [running in an east-west direction] north of Bangkok, which doubles as a flood barrier," said the official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the news.

The second mass of water, now trapped further north beyond the Klong Luang road in Pathum Thani [which also runs east-west], was also building, and would soon cross the road to add to the first, he explained.

"When these two lots [of water] combine, in the next few days, they will amass and break through barriers along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok road and head to further inundate Lak Luk Ka district in Pathum Thani, then Don Muang in northern Bangkok," he said.

"The first lot is already inundating areas near Klong 1, 2 and 3 on the Phaholyothin Road side, but the Klong Luang road cannot hold the second lot for much longer."

Flooding in these areas near Klong 1, 2 and 3 cannot be drained westward through Phra-in Racha water-gate, as the doors would only be damaged by strong currents and huge influx.

The spill-over from the first lot of water was also moving east and swamping a motorway section linking Bangkok and the East, the official said.

People living in flooded areas could expect to be underwater for another month, as water further north coming toward Bangkok was equivalent to the capacity of Bhumibol Dam, at around 12 billion cubic metres, Rangsit University flood and water management expert Dr Seri Supharathit said.

Bangkok residents are advised to stockpile tapwater, as the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority governor Charoen Phassara yesterday described the tapwater situation "as worse than expected".

Meanwhile, Bangkok officials were preparing to prevent possible flooding at three key areas - royal palaces, Don Mueang Airport and industrial estates in Lat Krabang and Bang Chan, the Bangkok governor said yesterday.

MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra told reporters he had instructed city officials to take special care of palaces at risk of flooding due to their proximity to six city districts expected to be flooded when runoff from the north reaches the capital. These are Don Muang, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Chatuchak, Bang Sue and Sai Mai.

City officials have issued a warning for residents in the six districts - in northern Bangkok - to move belongings to higher places in preparation for possible flooding.

Sukhumbhand said the BMA would work to the best of its ability to defend the "old" airport, which houses the government's Flood Relief Operation Centre (FROC), to ensure the centre continues to work without interruption.

Floodwalls were also strengthened around the Lat Krabang and Bang Chan industrial estates on the eastern outskirts, where some of the runoff water is expected to pass.

He promised to put up the best protection for Bangkok - inner and outer areas alike. "I will not abandon any Bangkok area - whether it's inner or outer. I will not allow any area to be flooded [for a long time] unless it is inevitable. When there is flooding, the water will be pumped out quickly."

Floodwalls in the east of the city would be strengthened. He called on volunteers to help fill sandbags at Krungthep Kritha-Romklao Road in Lat Krabang today.

Sukhumbhand said some roads in north Bangkok, such as Sirindhorn, Phaholyothin, Vibhavadi-Rangsit, and Sai Mai, were partly flooded.

He also warned of possible flooding in northern parts of the city due to higher water levels in canals such as Hok Wa, Thawee Watthana and Prem Prachakorn. This was due to the opening of city gates to help speed up water into the sea.

Some 88 spots in eastern Bangkok - particularly roads and communities in low-lying areas along canals - have already been flooded due to recent rains. Nong Chok was the worst hit.

The governor said leaks in temporary flood-walls along the Chao Phraya River - such as those at Rama VII Bridge and Bang Krabue intersection - had been repaired.

The governor expressed concern it might rain in Bangkok later this week. He said rain would mean officials would have to spend longer pumping water out. "However, the BMA's water-pumping system is still working well and there is no problem."

-- The Nation 2011-10-25

[cloudhopper]

Quote "Metropolitan Waterworks Authority governor Charoen Phassara yesterday described the tapwater situation "as worse than expected".

This entire situation is clearly going to be far worse than these incompetents expect. They cannot even locate their flood relief center properly.

[zydeco]

How do you like THAT folks? From predictions of 20 cm or a little more to "mega waves". And the preparations amount to diddley, What happened to that US Marine flood assessment team from last week? They must have dropped in, seen the nuthouse at Don Muang, and skidaddled back to their aircraft carrier, saying "no hope".

Edited October 24, 2011 by zydeco

[Who, me ?]

Someone please kick those morons out.....

[londonthai]

if water is worse than expected, than looks like there is a risk of contamination. In that case they might stop pumping any water into the pipes and there won't be any water for sometimes.

people should store not at least 10 litres per person per day, not only drinking, but cooking, sanitation, washing. Water for drinking should be filtered, just in case there are already bacteria in it

[ShopBoy]

anyone knows what happened to that army truck ?

picture not in sync with the title

[DonGato]

people should store not at least 10 litres per person per day

Man, but if they say that the situation can last 6-8 weeks, a big family might need to built a pool!!!!

[Murf]

PANIC!!!

Or is this more mis-information??

[DocN]

One more problem (at least for me): tab water is not too good for drinking, so cook it. But if you are not in the possession of a gas stove and electrity might be cut...well...being in for some high projectile vomitting and heavy poopy-attacks for 3 days without enough clean drinking water? that scenario has "disaster" written all over it!

[LTGTR]

Tap water wasn't potable BEFORE the flood.

[david555]

One more problem (at least for me): tab water is not too good for drinking, so cook it. But if you are not in the possession of a gas stove and electrity might be cut...well...being in for some high projectile vomitting and heavy poopy-attacks for 3 days without enough clean drinking water? that scenario has "disaster" written all over it!

the more danger lies in the problems to come, not getting your belongings flooded ,but must remind that a MILLIONS city city population must have drinking water ....food... and not to forget all those people have to go toilet ..... so with a month lasting flood it can not be Else's than becoming very infected flood water as sanitary installations keep in contact with the floodwaters......deseases to expect....

[Seri]

"The first mass of water has left Rangsit canal briming, and spilling over the parallel Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok road [running in an east-west direction] north of Bangkok, which doubles as a flood barrier," said the official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the news.

Why can't he be named?

The thing is, yesterday, a guy from the same department said things were not so disastrous and that Bangkok would not be hit too badly.

Now another guy, anonymous, says the opposite.

[craigt3365]

How do you like THAT folks? From predictions of 20 cm or a little more to "mega waves". And the preparations amount to diddley, What happened to that US Marine flood assessment team from last week? They must have dropped in, seen the nuthouse at Don Muang, and skidaddled back to their aircraft carrier, saying "no hope".

Looks like something went wrong with the US team:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/507667-flood-hit-thailand-declines-offer-of-help-us-navy/

[shunima]

Tap water wasn't potable BEFORE the flood.

Really. My organism tells a different story after using it like forever. Smells like a pool coming out of the tap and absolutely ok for coffee, tea ( heatrd to 90 c but never fully boiled it)and the occasional sip. It has better quality than its reputation.

[zorro1]

How do you like THAT folks? From predictions of 20 cm or a little more to "mega waves". And the preparations amount to diddley, What happened to that US Marine flood assessment team from last week? They must have dropped in, seen the nuthouse at Don Muang, and skidaddled back to their aircraft carrier, saying "no hope".

Looks like something went wrong with the US team:

http://www.thaivisa....f-help-us-navy/

they left after receiving mixed messages LOL

They must have gave up on trying to decode"'up to you" and left

[craigt3365]

How do you like THAT folks? From predictions of 20 cm or a little more to "mega waves". And the preparations amount to diddley, What happened to that US Marine flood assessment team from last week? They must have dropped in, seen the nuthouse at Don Muang, and skidaddled back to their aircraft carrier, saying "no hope".

Looks like something went wrong with the US team:

http://www.thaivisa....f-help-us-navy/

they left after receiving mixed messages LOL

They must have gave up on trying to decode"'up to you" and left

HA!

[LeeCraker]

There are two refrences to "Bangkok residents advised to start storing tap water" in the headline, the e-mail link was the same claim, yet nothing in the story backs this dramatic headline up. Is this a fact or sensationalism, speculation or what?

[whybother]

There are two refrences to "Bangkok residents advised to start storing tap water" in the headline, the e-mail link was the same claim, yet nothing in the story backs this dramatic headline up. Is this a fact or sensationalism, speculation or what?

Bangkok residents are advised to stockpile tapwater, as the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority governor Charoen Phassara yesterday described the tapwater situation "as worse than expected".

[johnefallis]

How do you like THAT folks? From predictions of 20 cm or a little more to "mega waves". And the preparations amount to diddley, What happened to that US Marine flood assessment team from last week? They must have dropped in, seen the nuthouse at Don Muang, and skidaddled back to their aircraft carrier, saying "no hope".

Looks like something went wrong with the US team:

http://www.thaivisa....f-help-us-navy/

they left after receiving mixed messages LOL

They must have gave up on trying to decode"'up to you" and left

ROFLMAO

[OZEMADE]

There are two refrences to "Bangkok residents advised to start storing tap water" in the headline, the e-mail link was the same claim, yet nothing in the story backs this dramatic headline up. Is this a fact or sensationalism, speculation or what?

Bangkok residents are advised to stockpile tapwater, as the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority governor Charoen Phassara yesterday described the tapwater situation "as worse than expected".

I see in the General part of the TVF one of our members asking where to buy fresh drinking water as they have none. May be a bit worse than some of our knowlegable TV members think.

[satiariyan]

There are two refrences to "Bangkok residents advised to start storing tap water" in the headline, the e-mail link was the same claim, yet nothing in the story backs this dramatic headline up. Is this a fact or sensationalism, speculation or what?

Bangkok residents are advised to stockpile tapwater, as the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority governor Charoen Phassara yesterday described the tapwater situation "as worse than expected".

I see in the General part of the TVF one of our members asking where to buy fresh drinking water as they have none. May be a bit worse than some of our knowlegable TV members think.

We allthink that it's been very hard to get drinking water anywhere for about a week.

[richard_smith237]

We allthink that it's been very hard to get drinking water anywhere for about a week.

Indeed... We have a water purifier at home - its no good without plenty of bottles though. The general tap water could be become sufficiently tainted for the purifier to stop working properly. So, for the past week I've been keeping my eye open each time I pass a supermarket for water, in central Bangkok there is none.

Today the wife and I are heading to Hua Hin for a few days, more of a holiday than anything else. Thai friends who live in area's of Bangkok where the flooding is imminent have already left to Hua Hin, they tell me they are having difficulty finding water there.

I'll leave the bath full of water and rely on a camping stove to boil it. And that is if the roads are not flooded to prevent return, in which case we'll stay away for longer.

No panic here. Just applying a little common sense and attempting to make the best of what may turn out to be a sticky situation in central Bangkok. I feel truly sympathetic to those who have already been experiencing these difficulties for days and weeks.

[dude007]

What frightens me is that the Government still blames the rain for this run-off and not spend a word on the release of huge masses of water from the dams in the north. Big rains have stopped falling but the dams (un-coordinated management from the authorities in opening the gates) should have been monitored in a better way and not coinciding with the spring tides in the sea, which are occurring twice a moon-month (28 days) for 2 or 3 days. This is what I call poor water management and clearly another manoeuver to cover up the real causes of this deluge! Using the inner canals and khlongs for draining the water (at a bare few hundreds of m3 per second, even not...) is deliberately flooding the city instead of temporary stopping the water release from the big dams. The Chao Phraya should have a drainage capacity of 6,000 m3/sec but has only 4,300 m3/sec. Adding 100 or 200 m3/sec from the khlongs is not a solution and the Government should have known it! Instead of listening to the technicians and read the reports from previous (excellent) studies on this issue, the Government issues regulations that they ONLY have the authority to decide on water release and operation of the sluices and watergates. Big brother Taksin, where are you now? Enjoying the good wine in Dubai restaurants? Your red shirts are soaking wet now and > 350 have died not from bullets but from water that your little sister has allowed to enter Bangkok khlongs! :bah:

[lounger]

There are two refrences to "Bangkok residents advised to start storing tap water" in the headline, the e-mail link was the same claim, yet nothing in the story backs this dramatic headline up. Is this a fact or sensationalism, speculation or what?

Bangkok residents are advised to stockpile tapwater, as the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority governor Charoen Phassara yesterday described the tapwater situation "as worse than expected".

I dont know why you bother answering that last post. If an idiot wants official directions before preparing for the worst then he is beyond help. Its like another poster wanted to know if his address was in the at risk zone. At risk of what?

My province, flooded, is stacked up with 20+ wheel lorries in convoys moving in both directions on minor roads trying to find routes through the flooded zones. Our Tesco Lotus food is now down to about 30%. The freezers are empty, dried food and tins are almost gone Stocks are not getting through. Bangkok is truly a disaster in the making. It could turn into a hell hole of anger, disease and hunger....

[whybother]

There are two refrences to "Bangkok residents advised to start storing tap water" in the headline, the e-mail link was the same claim, yet nothing in the story backs this dramatic headline up. Is this a fact or sensationalism, speculation or what?

Bangkok residents are advised to stockpile tapwater, as the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority governor Charoen Phassara yesterday described the tapwater situation "as worse than expected".

I dont know why you bother answering that last post. If an idiot wants official directions before preparing for the worst then he is beyond help. Its like another poster wanted to know if his address was in the at risk zone. At risk of what?

My province, flooded, is stacked up with 20+ wheel lorries in convoys moving in both directions on minor roads trying to find routes through the flooded zones. Our Tesco Lotus food is now down to about 30%. The freezers are empty, dried food and tins are almost gone Stocks are not getting through. Bangkok is truly a disaster in the making. It could turn into a hell hole of anger, disease and hunger....

I thought I'd point out that he should actually read the article before complaining.

I'm in a non-flooded area (Ratchada/Thailand Cultural Centre), and the supermarkets have very little food left. They are running out of all drinks (of course water, but also soft drink and beer). There is very little dry food (including snacks), or canned food. I expect the restaurants to be running short of food soon.

[lounger]

What frightens me is that the Government still blames the rain for this run-off and not spend a word on the release of huge masses of water from the dams in the north. Big rains have stopped falling but the dams (un-coordinated management from the authorities in opening the gates) should have been monitored in a better way and not coinciding with the spring tides in the sea, which are occurring twice a moon-month (28 days) for 2 or 3 days. This is what I call poor water management and clearly another manoeuver to cover up the real causes of this deluge! Using the inner canals and khlongs for draining the water (at a bare few hundreds of m3 per second, even not...) is deliberately flooding the city instead of temporary stopping the water release from the big dams. The Chao Phraya should have a drainage capacity of 6,000 m3/sec but has only 4,300 m3/sec. Adding 100 or 200 m3/sec from the khlongs is not a solution and the Government should have known it! Instead of listening to the technicians and read the reports from previous (excellent) studies on this issue, the Government issues regulations that they ONLY have the authority to decide on water release and operation of the sluices and watergates. Big brother Taksin, where are you now? Enjoying the good wine in Dubai restaurants? Your red shirts are soaking wet now and > 350 have died not from bullets but from water that your little sister has allowed to enter Bangkok khlongs! :bah:

I think maybe the Thais are correct in this instance when they say faranges dont understand Thailand. It seems clear that each province behaves like a separate state but what is surprising is the lack of any unifying authority. Its is astonishing that the different parties can legitimately claim autonomy. It is confusing to see officialdom cutting a path that at face value seems illogical. The overlap of personal gain and losing face against progress or human suffering is beyond belief. A graphic picture was described by the minister of communications who when asked when 3G would come said something along the lines of : steering the legislation is like riding the twin horns of a bull. The floods will have come and gone before this bull stops twisting its head.

[jamora]

I'm living in Bang Kapi, and while filling various containers with water yesterday, I noticed that the water has a yellow tint. Not sure if it's normal, but I have never noticed it before. I also filled up my spa baht, which is white, and even there it looks slightly yellow...

I have now closed for the main water supply from the outside, so now we have around 3,000 l of water in our underground tank, which I hope is not too contaminated yet! (Used a bit of it yesterday for cooking before I noticed the yellow tint, and so far I'm alive).

All the water I have stored, got a few drops of chlorine in it, since I would rather use boiled chlorinated water than water filled with various microorganisms!

Have anyone else in the Bang Kapi area noticed yellowish water?

[Arkady]

Just when you thought enough was enough we get this:

"Thaksin to definitely return in December: Kwanchai

October 25, 2011 11:56 am

Kwanchai Priaphana, the chairman of Udon Thani Loving Club, said former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra would return to Thailand in December.

'He will 100-per cent return to Thailand in December 2011 because he misses Thailand a lot and he wants to come back home,' Kwanchai was quoted by INN news agency as saying.

The Nation"

and this;

"Kwanchai: Thaksin buys pumps from Korea for govt to mitigate flooding

October 25, 2011 11:56 am

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has ordered pumps from Korea for the government of his sister, Yingluck Shinwatra, to use for draining floodwaters, a red-shirt leader said.

INN news agency Tuesday quoted Kwanchai Priaphana, the chairman of Udon Thani Loving Club, as saying that Thaksin had ordered many pumps and they should be delivered to Thailand by Wednesday.

The Nation"

As if the government needs him to place an order of pumps or to pretend he will use his own money. Nauseous.

[Murf]

It's strange how there is no mention of this "tap water" story in the Thai news.

[whybother]

It's strange how there is no mention of this "tap water" story in the Thai news.

Isn't The Nation "Thai news"?