Floodwater Spreading Into Inner Bangkok

[webfact]

Floodwater spreading into inner Bangkok

BANGKOK, Nov 7 -- Floodwater is spreading into inner Bangkok as water surged into the Suthisarn Tunnel on Ratchadapisek Road, closing traffic, while car parks at the BTS Mo Chit Skytrain are totally flooded, with water moving toward Saphan Khwai on Phahonyothin Road.

Water began covering the road surface at the BTS Skytrain Kamphaeng Phet station, overflowing from the drainage system and is now 20cm deep.

Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, from Lat Phrao intersection to Khlong Bang Sue, has all lanes flooded, particularly at Thai Rath newspaper office which is under 50cm water which kept rising during the night. Small vehicles cannot pass. Water is reportedly heading to Din Daeng intersection.

Behind the Thai Rath office, on Phahonyothin Road and Television Channel 7 office, water is higher than the footpath, but BTS Skytrain service and MRT underground trains are operating normally.

At 10am, Minister of Justice Pracha Promnog who directed the Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) was scheduled to meet Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra at FROC headquarters at the Energy Ministry to discuss the FROC plan to provide water pumps to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to drain water from Bangkok areas. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-11-07

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[swillowbee]

... this is as watching a train wreck, in slow motion ... and billions of m3 of water still to pass ... we evacuated, then returned in the middle of last week.

... now believing only what we see and but half of what we hear, we are preparing to re-evacuate.

... our lives and businesses are suspended in a vacuum of freakish incompetence ... what could possibly sabotage the resources available in this modern age of technology and communication?

... this is all so ... absurd.

Edited November 7, 2011 by swillowbee

[george]

Floods show what lies ahead for sinking Bangkok

by Amelie Bottollier-Depois

BANGKOK, November 7, 2011 (AFP) - The Thai capital, built on swampland, is slowly sinking and the floods currently besieging Bangkok could be merely a foretaste of a grim future as climate change makes its impact felt, experts say.

The low-lying metropolis lies just 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of the Gulf of Thailand, where various experts forecast sea level will rise by 19 to 29 centimetres (7 to 11 inches) by 2050 as a result of global warming.

Water levels would also increase in Bangkok's main Chao Phraya river, which already overflows regularly.

If no action is taken to protect the city, "in 50 years... most of Bangkok will be below sea level," said Anond Snidvongs, a climate change expert at the capital's Chulalongkorn University.

But global warming is not the only threat. The capital's gradual sinking has also been blamed on years of aggressive groundwater extraction to meet the growing needs of the city's factories and its 12 million inhabitants.

As a result Bangkok was sinking by 10 centimetres a year in the late 1970s, according to a study published last year by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

That rate has since dropped to less than one centimetre annually, they said, thanks to government measures to control groundwater pumping.

If those efforts continued, the report authors said, they hoped the subsidence rate could slow by another 10 percent each year.

But Anond disputed their projections, saying Bangkok was still sinking at "an alarming rate" of one to three centimetres per year.

While scientists may argue over the exact figures, they agree about what lies in store for the sprawling megacity.

"There is no going back. The city is not going to rise again," said the ADB's lead climate change specialist David McCauley.

Faced with the combined threats of land subsidence and rising temperatures and sea levels, the World Bank has predicted that Bangkok's flood risk will increase four-fold from now by 2050.

And the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has classified the Thai capital among the 10 cities in the world facing the biggest potential impact from coastal flooding by 2070.

For now, Bangkok is relying on a complex system of dykes, canals, locks and pumping stations to keep the rising waters at bay.

The flood protection efforts, however, failed to prevent an onslaught of run-off water from the north from swamping at least one-fifth of the capital.

The murky floodwaters, triggered by three months of heavy monsoon rains, are edging in on Bangkok's glitzy downtown area, threatening luxury hotels, office buildings and shopping malls.

Rapid urbanisation is one reason why the inundations are affecting the sprawling city so badly, according to experts.

As the area that needs flood protection gets larger and more built-up, the water "has fewer places to go", said Francois Molle, a water management expert at France's Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement.

Molle said that in the long term, Bangkok would eventually be under water. "The only question is when."

Experts say Thai authorities must address the capital's land use and planning challenges and consider relocating factories or industrial parks in flood-prone areas.

Or even moving the entire city.

"It may be appropriate for the people who want to be dry 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, to be setting up a new city," said Anond.

"We do have areas where we can develop a new city that would be completely dry. There's a lot of land in this country," he said.

It may sound like a drastic scenario, but there is little doubt that Bangkok will have to act if it wants to avoid the fate of the fabled sunken city of Atlantis.

"To remain where it is, the city will need better protection," said Robert Nicholls, a professor of coastal engineering at Britain's University of Southampton.

He said he expected Bangkok's current flood misery to "trigger massive investment in defences over the next 10 to 20 years".

Dealing with the phenomenon will be expensive elsewhere too. Across the Asia-Pacific region the ADB has estimated it will cost a minimum of $10 billion a year to adapt to climate change.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-11-07

[dude007]

... this is as watching a train wreck, in slow motion ... and billions of m3 of water still to pass ... we evacuated, then returned in the middle of last week.

... now believing only what we see and but half of what we hear, we are preparing to re-evacuate.

... our lives and businesses are suspended in a vacuum of freakish incompetence ... what could possibly sabotage the resources available in this modern age of technology and communication?

... this is all so ... absurd.

I am in the same situation: re-evacuate. The kind of information is freacky, unreliable and made by incompetents! When will we finally know the real situation? Is there anyone at FROC competent enough to tell the truth to the people? It is reaaly absurd...

[renaissanc]

Normally, such a situation should galvanize all political parties in unity, but this is Thailand. The Opposition knows how much money will be on the table each year to build up the defenses, and the politicians will want their 30% share of all money, just like the politicians in the government parties will be licking their lips now. I expect there to be more Yellow vs Red squabbling in order to get rid of Thaksin and to get their noses back in the troughs.

[manutoo]

Molle said that in the long term, Bangkok would eventually be under water. "The only question is when."

And the answer might be : this week..! ;-)

[HarrySeaman]

"Water began covering the road surface at the BTS Skytrain Kamphaeng Phet station...."

There is only one thing wrong with this statement. The BTS doesn't have a Kamphaeng Phet station, they have a Mo Chit station. It is the MRT that has a Kamphaeng Phet station.

I guess it isn't surprising that the politicians don't know the difference since their chauffeured autos aren't allow on either.

[sfbandung]

"Or even moving the entire city."

How about waiting until it actualy happens. More climate change scare-mongering.

[Harry2]

I am in the same situation: re-evacuate. The kind of information is freacky, unreliable and made by incompetents! When will we finally know the real situation? Is there anyone at FROC competent enough to tell the truth to the people? It is reaaly absurd...

Unfortunately we have to do our own flood modelling/predictions as officials are unable, incapable or unwilling to do it. This is mine.

The northern runoff is continuing south as it seeks a way to the sea. It is making its way gradually through the suburbs and there is nothing to stop it swamping the inner city. I work on the basis it will be in my area of Phra Khanong somewhere in the next 30-60 hours. I have prepared supplies to stick it out in my condo, but (in the absence of any meaningful official pronouncement to the contrary) fear it could be over 1m and knock out electricity - in which case I could not work. Therefore I am exiting Bangkok Tuesday noon for at least a week.

[ThaiKiwi]

... this is as watching a train wreck, in slow motion ... and billions of m3 of water still to pass ... we evacuated, then returned in the middle of last week.

... now believing only what we see and but half of what we hear, we are preparing to re-evacuate.

... our lives and businesses are suspended in a vacuum of freakish incompetence ... what could possibly sabotage the resources available in this modern age of technology and communication?

... this is all so ... absurd.

Some how I think we only hear what we want to hear but, for me anyway, the message has been out there for over a month now. The water is finding its way to the sea and it will either get there by canal or road. The amount of water is, and has always been, more than any of the canals can handle. That has been clearly explained over and over for weeks. The city is in the middle of the shortest path to the sea so it just has to come in. It will come in, it will pass through and exit the other side. How long it will take is anyone's guess but it is more likely to be many weeks than just many days. For some areas it will be months as there is just so much water out there waiting for its path to the sea to show.

[spermwhale]

... this is as watching a train wreck, in slow motion ... and billions of m3 of water still to pass ... we evacuated, then returned in the middle of last week.

... now believing only what we see and but half of what we hear, we are preparing to re-evacuate.

... our lives and businesses are suspended in a vacuum of freakish incompetence ... what could possibly sabotage the resources available in this modern age of technology and communication?

... this is all so ... absurd.

I am in the same situation: re-evacuate. The kind of information is freacky, unreliable and made by incompetents! When will we finally know the real situation? Is there anyone at FROC competent enough to tell the truth to the people? It is reaaly absurd...

WOW! so sorry to hear for both of you. Where do you live?

[alexakap]

Here we go...

The very, very same scenario it has already flooded my house.

My condolences to all Bkk residents, as there was NOONE competent while the water was far away and flooded my house @Pathum - and here is NOONE competent after these 3 weeks, to protect the inner Bkk (which of course much MORE difficult than protecting spreaded moobaans on the flats up north) . NOONE. We was at our own, and now you bangkokians - at your own only. Govt?? Don't make me laugh. FROC? Gimme a break...don't even cross your fingers.

...and be prepared for looong story: here on Pathumthani the flood has come 3 weeks ago, and till now no any good news.

Those who able to go other places - please go now, tomorrow would be inpassable roads and lots of traffic everywhere on expressway.

PS: aaahh, I forgot: "Inner Bkk is 100% safe!", and "Please be patient!". Everything in order and as planned..."na ja!"

Edited November 7, 2011 by alexakap

[rikkie]

... this is as watching a train wreck, in slow motion ... and billions of m3 of water still to pass ... we evacuated, then returned in the middle of last week.

... now believing only what we see and but half of what we hear, we are preparing to re-evacuate.

... our lives and businesses are suspended in a vacuum of freakish incompetence ... what could possibly sabotage the resources available in this modern age of technology and communication?

... this is all so ... absurd.

I am in the same situation: re-evacuate. The kind of information is freacky, unreliable and made by incompetents! When will we finally know the real situation? Is there anyone at FROC competent enough to tell the truth to the people? It is reaaly absurd...

you wherein the army before? take care your family like you did your buddy's don't wine just take care of the situation

[EarthAlien]

I am in the same situation: re-evacuate. The kind of information is freacky, unreliable and made by incompetents! When will we finally know the real situation? Is there anyone at FROC competent enough to tell the truth to the people? It is reaaly absurd...

Unfortunately we have to do our own flood modelling/predictions as officials are unable, incapable or unwilling to do it. This is mine.

The northern runoff is continuing south as it seeks a way to the sea. It is making its way gradually through the suburbs and there is nothing to stop it swamping the inner city. I work on the basis it will be in my area of Phra Khanong somewhere in the next 30-60 hours. I have prepared supplies to stick it out in my condo, but (in the absence of any meaningful official pronouncement to the contrary) fear it could be over 1m and knock out electricity - in which case I could not work. Therefore I am exiting Bangkok Tuesday noon for at least a week.

Harry, I think you hit the nail on the head when you said "we have to do our own flood modelling/predictions as officials are unable, incapable or unwilling to do it" The fact is that whilst the powers that be and the guys and gals at FROC are hoping for the best and not wanting to be the one who cries "hell fire" the first, the inevitable is of course unfolding right around them.

From the beginning this whole exercise has been akin to trying to hold back the tide,.. and the water flow management policy has been a complete fiasco and a SNAFU (Situation Normal,- All Fouled Up) to say the least!

I think your self assessment and attendant plans to voluntarily evac are very wise. Take care Harry and we wish you all the best

[atyclb]

"Unfortunately we have to do our own flood modelling/predictions as officials are unable, incapable or unwilling to do it."

Modeling and prediction is what I have been doing to walk on many BKK sidewalks and inside malls. I must model and predict where the person/ people in front of me will turn, stop, or even walk backward into me.

Hate to say it but the incompetence in government is a reflection of much of society with notable exceptions.

[Cats4ever]

"Or even moving the entire city."

How about waiting until it actualy happens. More climate change scare-mongering.

Most people on site seem to be complaining about the lack of forward thinking and planning. Nice to see someone with a more laid back approach.

Seriously, good luck to all.

[Logarhythm]

... this is as watching a train wreck, in slow motion ... and billions of m3 of water still to pass ... we evacuated, then returned in the middle of last week.

... now believing only what we see and but half of what we hear, we are preparing to re-evacuate.

... our lives and businesses are suspended in a vacuum of freakish incompetence ... what could possibly sabotage the resources available in this modern age of technology and communication?

... this is all so ... absurd.

I am in the same situation: re-evacuate. The kind of information is freacky, unreliable and made by incompetents! When will we finally know the real situation? Is there anyone at FROC competent enough to tell the truth to the people? It is reaaly absurd...

you wherein the army before? take care your family like you did your buddy's don't wine just take care of the situation

I don't think he was whining. He was merely calling it how it is.

[newermonkey]

The Thai Government better start to pump huge amounts of money into Pattaya for a Sky Train, an underground system, designated areas for government departments, Commecial parks for new Office buildings, etc... etc... because Pattaya will be the capital city when Bangkok goes "waterworld"

Doing this will be far cheaper that trying to save a doomed city. I can see Pattaya becoming more like Rio in Brazil (But not quite as nice).

[rikkie]

... this is as watching a train wreck, in slow motion ... and billions of m3 of water still to pass ... we evacuated, then returned in the middle of last week.

... now believing only what we see and but half of what we hear, we are preparing to re-evacuate.

... our lives and businesses are suspended in a vacuum of freakish incompetence ... what could possibly sabotage the resources available in this modern age of technology and communication?

... this is all so ... absurd.

I am in the same situation: re-evacuate. The kind of information is freacky, unreliable and made by incompetents! When will we finally know the real situation? Is there anyone at FROC competent enough to tell the truth to the people? It is reaaly absurd...

you wherein the army before? take care your family like you did your buddy's don't wine just take care of the situation

I don't think he was whining. He was merely calling it how it is.

i am here, have a generator to make(safe) power for me and my friends i do

something baaa only think money because he loose now, i not like money i just need to be happy with my thai wive and 2 baby

[ludditeman]

"Or even moving the entire city."

How about waiting until it actualy happens. More climate change scare-mongering.

Most people on site seem to be complaining about the lack of forward thinking and planning. Nice to see someone with a more laid back approach.

Seriously, good luck to all.

Nothing to do about climate change.

More to do about lowering the ground hight by extracting ground water and filling in canals which has added to the pre-existing flooding problems.

I think the figure was ground shrinking by about 3-5cm per year since 1970.

[zakk9]

"Or even moving the entire city."

How about waiting until it actualy happens. More climate change scare-mongering.

Like they did with this flood? Splendid idea. You seem to be qualified to lead the Irrigation Department. I suggest you move in right away. It's on Sam Sen, next to the river. Just remember to bring rubber boots and a snorkle, just in case

[david555]

Give it to the Dutch , they know what to do , their country has big surfaces UNDER sea level , great water managing experts.

[rikkie]

The Thai Government better start to pump huge amounts of money into Pattaya for a Sky Train, an underground system, designated areas for government departments, Commecial parks for new Office buildings, etc... etc... because Pattaya will be the capital city when Bangkok goes "waterworld"

Doing this will be far cheaper that trying to save a doomed city. I can see Pattaya becoming more like Rio in Brazil (But not quite as nice).

i have to leave this site now because to many moron here... Jesus or budha what can Leo do pattaya addicts just check with your doctor

[webfact]

Flooding in Bangkok Likely to Persist for One Month (07/11/2011)

Energy Minister Pichai Naripthaphan said that the flooding situation in Bangkok is likely to persist for one month, while the water level in the city is expected to begin to subside after the middle of November.

Minister Pichai said that various affected factories would resume their operations within the next three to four months. The Government has rehabilitation plans to bring quick recovery to industrial estates whose operations and facilities have been damaged by the flooding. If the factories needed to replace their devices and equipment, they would be encouraged to turn to energy-saving ones.

He said that 140 water pumps would be used to drain water out from the Saha Rattana Nakorn Industrial Estate and the Rojana Industrial Park in Ayutthaya province on November 10. Water drainage in other industrial estates would also be accelerated. As for the affected people, he said, the Government has prepared a comprehensive rehabilitation plan to assist them.

Regarding flood control in Bangkok, the Flood Relief Operations Center revealed that the six-kilometer-long barrier, or the “Big Bag” floodwall, which had been set up recently, would help slow down the flow of water from the north of Bangkok to a certain extent. This would also enable the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to drain water more efficiently. The setting up of the Big Bag floodwall is also being considered in Bang Kruai to slow down the water flow in the western side of Bangkok.

Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration thanked the Flood Relief Operations Center for providing it with more water pumps to help drain water in eastern Bangkok, as the situation is still worrisome. It is also concerned about the flooding situation in the western part of the city.

According to the Flood Relief Operations Center, a number of water pumps were imported by the Government and some were donated by the private sector. It believed that if the volume of the in-flow was brought down, water drainage by the Bangkok city should be manageable. Moreover, the Government has sent a team to assist the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to drain water into various canals. The problem of leaks in embankments in various areas is being rectified in an effort to control flood water in the city.

A report from the Emergency Operation Center for Flood, Storms, and Landslide on November 6 indicated that 25 provinces were still suffering from the flooding and more than 500 people have died, with two missing persons. More than one million families, comprising over three million people, have been affected.

The flooding has damaged 10.9 million rai, or almost 4.4 million acres, of farmland in the country.

Source: http://thailand.prd.go.th/view_inside.php?id=5976

- The Government Public Relations Department 2011-11-07

[alexakap]

More to do about lowering the ground hight by extracting ground water and filling in canals which has added to the pre-existing flooding problems.

I think the figure was ground shrinking by about 3-5cm per year since 1970.

Don't worry - soon it will jump up, as lots of water comes to fill that extracted one.

We all are enjoying the show in progress.

[sfbandung]

"Or even moving the entire city."

How about waiting until it actualy happens. More climate change scare-mongering.

Like they did with this flood? Splendid idea. You seem to be qualified to lead the Irrigation Department. I suggest you move in right away. It's on Sam Sen, next to the river. Just remember to bring rubber boots and a snorkle, just in case

I was offered the head of FROC, it seems I was over qualified.

I get bored with the old "climate change" chestnut being thrown up all the time.

There is no doubt whatsoever that this catastrophe has been incredibly poorly handled.Just look back at all the announcements saying that Inner Bangkok was safe.

Edited November 7, 2011 by sfbandung

[webfact]

Bangkok Governor Vows to Protect All 50 Districts from Flooding

The Bangkok governor expects officials will be able to drain floodwater off all major roads within two weeks should the Big Bag dike prove effective in slowing down floodwater.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the flood situation will improve should the Big Bag barrier prove effective in slowing down floodwater, which is currently spreading deeper into the capital.

He added if no additional water flows in during the next two weeks, officials will be able to drain water off of all major roads and will then continue their work in the smaller streets.

Sukhumbhand also pledged to protect all 50 Bangkok districts from flooding and said his office will work closely with the Royal Irrigation Department in expediting floodwater drainage through the Bang Pakong and Tha Chin rivers, and the Mahachai Canal.

Meanwhile, he said drainage through eastern flood ways via the lower Sam Wa Canal has seen more progress after additional pumps were installed.

The Bangkok governor revealed that he will be attending a meeting with the Flood Relief Operations Center today and may request more pumps.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-07

[robokop]

"Or even moving the entire city."

How about waiting until it actualy happens. More climate change scare-mongering.

Agreed more scare mongering over man made Global Warming/Climate Change, and you keep seeing it mentioned over and over. The Man Made Global Warming threat/scare is a big hoax that made Al Gore of USA and many others rich. The scare saying Global Warming is causing sea level to rise, is just the same. Over the past 1000 years, sea levels have been rising, but over the past 10 years, sea levels have gone down. The people in the press are spreading this hoax because of their own stupidity and lack of true journalistic professionalism.

Global Warming/Climate Change-name changed because there was no Global Warming, was suppose to cause world wide droughts, yet we are seeing world wide record rain and snowfall which has and is resulting in world wide flooding of many countries.

[Guest]

Main road near me has lowest water level in 2 weeks - level yesterday was over 1.5 meters, and water marks show that it was over 2 meters before. Big bags (those FROCing guys) are going to push that level back up.

[newermonkey]

The Thai Government better start to pump huge amounts of money into Pattaya for a Sky Train, an underground system, designated areas for government departments, Commecial parks for new Office buildings, etc... etc... because Pattaya will be the capital city when Bangkok goes "waterworld"

Doing this will be far cheaper that trying to save a doomed city. I can see Pattaya becoming more like Rio in Brazil (But not quite as nice).

i have to leave this site now because to many moron here... Jesus or budha what can Leo do pattaya addicts just check with your doctor

Ah? what?

nevermind... bye bye...