Plodprasop: Floods 'under control'

[webfact]

INUNDATION
Floods 'under control'
The Nation



Plodprasop says media coverage is causing undue panic; industrial estate operators remain confident; flooding hits 20 provinces

BANGKOK: -- While industrial estates and households along waterways are bracing for heavy water runoff, the authorities have soothed public fears, saying the situation will not be as bad as in 2011.

"The situation, so far, is not as worrying as in 2011. It's only that the media is reporting about it so intensely that the public has started panicking," Deputy PM Plodprasop Suraswadi said yesterday, adding that this year, the level of floodwater was only half of that in 2011.

Major dams are still well below their capacity, Plodprasop said, adding that rain was mostly falling in areas to the south of the dams. He added that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, in her capacity as defence minister, had instructed military units across the country to help flood-affected residents in their vicinity.

Plodprasop, who oversees flood and water-management operations, said that though the flooding has not resulted in any casualties, it has brought the situation to a "semi-crisis" level. All relevant agencies have been instructed to set up coordination centres in order to implement measures and handle emergencies - which will be overseen by a centre set up at Government House.

Districts in about 20 provinces have been inundated, with several roads left impassable and train services suspended.

In 2011, with more than 10 industrial estates inundated and millions of households affected, insurance companies estimated losses at a catastrophic US$12 billion (Bt375.5 billion).

"The Thai 2011 flood crisis was the largest freshwater flood in global history," said Gabor Jaimes, chief of property product management for Asia-Pacific at international insurance firm Swiss Re.

In order to prevent another catastrophe, industrial estates in Ayutthaya and Saraburi have stepped up prevention measures, though this time the operators are not too worried.

Amara Charoengitwatta-nagun, a director of Rojana Industrial Park, said she was confident the industrial park would be safe this year, thanks to its 77-kilometre-long, 5-metre-tall floodwall.

Situation "not like 2011"

"It is normal that heavy rain will cause flooding, as Ayutthaya is surrounded by three rivers. But the situation is not like 2011, when the dams broke and we were not prepared for the runoff," she said.

Navanakorn Plc managing director Nipit Arunvongse na Ayudhya is also convinced that the floodwall will protect the industrial estate in Pathum Thani from "natural" flooding caused by rain.

However, Industry Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk said Ayutthaya's Saha Rattana Nakorn Industrial Estate was possibly most at risk of inundation as it had only just completed 30-per-cent of a temporary dam. Veerapong Chaiperm, governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, said he had already assigned a deputy governor to closely monitor the situation.

Meanwhile, the ready-for-assembly flood-prevention tools and barricades put up at several industrial estates, namely the ones in Bang Phli, Lat Krabang and Samut Sakhon - which have not suffered any flooding so far - will be moved to Saha Rattana Nakorn Industrial Estate to deal with the immediate threat. The Kabin Buri industrial estate has not been flooded because it is located in an elevated area, though other areas nearby have been submerged.

"Not a catastrophe"

According to Payungsak Chartsutipol, chairman of the state-owned insurance fund for natural-disaster coverage, the situation could not yet be classified as a catastrophe as it was in 2011. He said the Cabinet would only declare it as a catastrophe when flood damages exceed Bt5 billion and if more than 2 million people are affected.

Payungsak said the fund's directive was to approve cash transfers when an earthquake was more than 7 on the Richter scale and in storms, if the speed of wind was more than 120 kilometres per hour.

"Since the flooding situation cannot be classified as a disaster, the fund cannot approve any cash transfers yet," he said.

The National Catastrophe Insurance Fund was set up after the 2011 flood crisis. Foreign insurance companies raised their insurance premiums after that, though businesses and households can seek coverage from the state-owned fund, which collects only 0.5 per cent of insured value from households, 1 per cent from small and medium-sized enterprises and 1.25 per cent from large firms for catastrophe-protection coverage.

Meanwhile, floods have been spreading in several provinces.

The free Ubon Ratchathani-Bangkok Route 145 train service has been suspended indefinitely due to rail tracks being flooded, while trains 139 and 67 on the same route will be travelling to Sri Khoraphum Station in Surin, though no free vans will be provided to deliver passengers to their destination.

A fuel cargo train derailed yesterday morning in Nakhon Ratchasima's Sikhiu district, though no further damage or casualties were reported. The State Railway of Thailand said this accident had not been caused by flooding and that the train could be salvaged by yesterday evening.

Motorists have been advised to exercise caution when travelling on Route 201 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Route 3627 in Prachin Buri's Kabin Buri district and Route 226 in Surin, as they are all under 45 to 80 centimetres of water. People are being urged to use shortcuts or alternative roads. Those requiring help can call the Department of Highways' 1586 hotline at all times.

Separately, a prison in Prachin Buri has transferred several of its women inmates to the provincial prison in neighbouring Sa Kaew, the Corrections Department said, adding that this facility in Kabin Buri district was the only one prone to flooding.

Prachin Buri province and the Korat area in neighbouring Nakhon Ratchasima are most affected by heavy flooding as they are close to Khao Yai National Park, where heavy rain has continued for the past few days.

Around 200 households in Phitsanulok's Bang Krathum district were submerged due to overnight flash floods. There are four other districts that have been declared as disaster zones.


-- The Nation 2013-09-24

[webfact]

Former Siamese capital braces for flooding, historic temples besieged by flood
By English News



AYUTTHAYA, Sept 24 – A number of temples in the former Siamese capital have been flooded as irrigation officials closed a major sluice gate to prevent floodwaters from flowing into the town centre and industrial estates.

Water from northern Thailand has flowed into the Chao Phraya and Pasak rivers which merge at Koh Muang Ayutthaya, rapidly raising the water level at Han Tra and Kamang canals.

The two canals zigzag in the province and a water gate is under construction to prevent water from flowing into the eastern part of the province and Rojana district where an industrial estate is located. The Rojana industrial estate was badly hit by flooding in 2011.

Construction of the water gate has been temporarily suspended due to high water and overflowing water in Han Tra and Pai Ling sub-districts.

Irrigation and provincial officials have been on full alert to prevent water from overflowing the sluice gate into commercial areas.

In the Ayutthaya districts of Bang Ban, Sena and Phak Hai, officials reported that the water level was 10-15 cm higher and several temples were surrounded by water, some even one metre deep. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-09-24

[klubex99]

Floods 'under control'

He means..... "It has stopped raining....... for now"

[NongKhaiKid]

I know the PTP overnment considers itself all powerful but have they brought Mother nature under control too ?

Prior to the Beijing Olympics the Chinese government formed the Weather Modification Bureau so maybe PTP have decided it should be the Weather Control Bureau since everything here is better.

Incidentally there's an op ed in the other newsapaper about our hero Plod and to say it isn't complimentary would be an understatement. IT's a MUST read.

[dcutman]

Floods 'under control'
The Nation

I feel much better now.

[Mosha]

He's ordered boats with bigger propellers.

[Thait Spot]

He may be right.....

The floods are under the control of Mother Nature though.......

[WhizBang]

'Floods under control'

Time to panic.

[monkey4u]

He's ordered boats with bigger propellers.

I love it

[Patje]

Where did I miss something ? In between the PM saying " no reason to worry " and " floods under control " ???? Did I blink ?

[monkey4u]

Has Plodprasop become God overnight or is 1 metre deep water in your home acceptable as normal to him

I bet his home has plenty of government paid flood protection

Stuf the poor people our cars are safe

[Patje]

Here's another one " the media are to blame, it did not rain that hard !! "

[waza]

Plodprasop says media coverage is causing undue panic; industrial estate operators remain confident; flooding hits 20 provinces.

Plodprasop, who oversees flood and water-management operations, said that though the flooding has not resulted in any casualties, it has brought the situation to a "semi-crisis" level.

He added that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, in her capacity as defence minister, had instructed military units across the country to help flood-affected residents in their vicinity.

But this is a controlled flood.

Edited September 24, 2013 by metisdead

[tominbkk]

Famous last words.

[DocN]

The last time they said that, beer got scares n Bangkok!

...and with this, I will leave you and take a taxi to the nearest TESCO...

[Patje]

Floods under control ...... Yep, all the water seems to move in the same direction...... Downhill !!

[noitom]

Poor Thais wading around in shoulder deep water in the street and poor Thais rowing around in little makeshift plastic boats. He says everything is under control.

[Neilly]

BANGKOK: -- While industrial estates and households along waterways are bracing for heavy water runoff, the authorities have soothed public fears, saying the situation will not be as bad as in 2011.

Yeah, it's only going to be waist high and not neck high this time

[moe666]

If you live wwith you head in the clouds it is under control

[bkkgriz]

"Plodprasop says media coverage is causing undue panic; industrial estate operators remain confident; flooding hits 20 provinces"

Forget about the little people waist deep in water. As long as the industrial estates are fine, there is no problem. That is the government you elected PTP zombies.

[MAN2SIN2BKK]

Time for Corporal Jones to go into "DONT PANIC' mode!

[lostmebike]

He added that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, in her capacity as defence minister, had instructed military units across the country to help flood-affected residents in their vicinity.

Help by doing what? Standing and staring at the water? Suppose she's got to say something

Too late girl, the water's already here. Why mobilize the army now? The communities affected have probably rescued the needy already.

[webfact]

Thai Navy, state agencies, on full alert for flooding
By English News



BANGKOK, Sept 24 – The Royal Thai Navy was ordered on 24-hour vigilance for flood response as Thailand braces for a new round of heavy downpours from a typhoon this week.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra admitted concern yesterday about the flooding but gave assurances that the large-scale disaster of 2011 would not be repeated.

The Central region including Bangkok was heavily flooded two years ago, disrupting business and suspending manufacturing operations at many industrial estates in Bangkok’s suburbs and nearby provinces.

Damaged levees and dykes have been repaired and at-risk areas in the 2011 flooding have been fixed, said Ms Yingluck.

She said all flood-prevention agencies including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would follow the anti-flood measures mapped out by the Water and Flood Management Commission.

Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan yesterday chaired an urgent meeting to discuss flood prevention and response plans for Bangkok and the outskirts.

Royol Chitradon, Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute director, said after the meeting that 114 districts in 21 provinces have been hit by floods, and that this year’s volume of water is higher than last year but less than in 2011.

He warned that the coming typhoon across the Central region would cause more rainfall in the Central plains, Bangkok and nearby provinces and the Eastern region from tomorrow to Sunday.

Khun Darn Prakarn Chon Dam in Nakhon Nayok province is risking overflowing as the dam is currently 92 per cent full and can take only 17 million cubic metres of water while Lam Nang Rong dam is 81 per cent full.

Another round of heavy downpour may spill over Lam Nang Rong dam towards the northeastern province of Buriram, he said.

“Water in the two dams rises one centimetre higher every day and it must be released at 200 cubic metres/second. With this, water in the Chao Phraya River could be 20cm higher at Singh Buri and 30-40cm higher at Ayutthaya,” he said.

Interior Minister Charupong ordered all provincial governors to set up special centres to brace for flooding and disaster, and cooperate with related agencies in coping with inundation.

BMA deputy governor Chumpol Sampaopol said the water level in Bangkok was normal but many roads were subsiding, making it more difficult to release water into canals.

Water pumps have been installed in flood-prone areas especially at Klong Prem Prachakorn – the most difficult area for water release, he said.

Water on both sides of the Chao Phraya River is currently 1.62 metres high and residents will be advised to be on alert and move their belongings to higher ground if the level reaches 1.7 metres, he added. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-09-24

[lostmebike]

When will Her Royal Shoppahollicness insist that the 'leaders' of provinces dredge their rivers?

When will she insist that drainage is properly maintained, refuse and silt free?

I know dams burst and rivers overflow but c'mon, can't you manage the systems you already have in place?

All this talk of the last flood shows that prevention wasn't high on the agenda immediately after. How many billions of baht were allocated (LOST) to flood prevention after 2011?

[brimacthai]

I think the people in all the pictures and videos would not agree with him or either one of our two PM's!

[laurentbkk]

thats what I got in 2011 when my house has been under water for 6 weeks ..... "No worry its under control " and never received the money they promised to give ......

[sscsamui]

When that many peoples home are flooded and roads are flooded and chest high that IS a Disaster.... The government Need open there eyes and Bank books to start Helping... Helping the people...

[Baerboxer]

When will Her Royal Shoppahollicness insist that the 'leaders' of provinces dredge their rivers?

When will she insist that drainage is properly maintained, refuse and silt free?

I know dams burst and rivers overflow but c'mon, can't you manage the systems you already have in place?

All this talk of the last flood shows that prevention wasn't high on the agenda immediately after. How many billions of baht were allocated (LOST) to flood prevention after 2011?

Ah, but you see. if only the extra 350 million baht had been handed over to the government for the water management projects. The wise Finance Minister warned everyone that this was urgent.

No need for any EIAs, public consultations, proper plans and projects, transparent supplier evaluation and selection and all that mularchy. Just get K-Water on the job.

Obviously any flooding is now the fault of those picky pesky Dems and NGOs for interfering with and delaying the governments clever plans.

[Baerboxer]

When that many peoples home are flooded and roads are flooded and chest high that IS a Disaster.... The government Need open there eyes and Bank books to start Helping... Helping the people...

You're right - but don't hold your breath. Taxpayers money is required for important projects - buying 4 planes for VIP use, funding madam PM/DM's trips around the world, flying the boys off to meet the boss, and of course keeping everything well greased!

As for opening their bank books - - Good one!

[MAN2SIN2BKK]

When will Her Royal Shoppahollicness insist that the 'leaders' of provinces dredge their rivers?

When will she insist that drainage is properly maintained, refuse and silt free?

I know dams burst and rivers overflow but c'mon, can't you manage the systems you already have in place?

All this talk of the last flood shows that prevention wasn't high on the agenda immediately after. How many billions of baht were allocated (LOST) to flood prevention after 2011?

Good point. The debris from the 2011 flood is still floating in Khlong Sam, held back by the sluice gate near the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok Road. They dredge and clear the vegetation but always leave that pile of trash