Chulalongkorn University says this year's floods less severe than in 2011

[webfact]

Chulalongkorn University says this year's floods less severe than in 2011
By English News



BANGKOK, Oct 12 – Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering has allayed concerns on this year’s flooding and assured that the situation would not be as severe as in 2011.

Associate Professor Sucharit Koontakakulvong, head of Water Resources Engineering Department, said only limited areas have been hit by floods this year, including Prachin Buri, Chachoengsao, Ayutthaya and areas outside anti-flood dykes on the banks of the Chao Phraya River.

Heavy rains are the only reason for this year’s floods while the flooding in the Central Plains should ease within this month and in the Eastern region by the middle of next month, he said.

However, he urged people to be on alert for the movement of tropical storm Nari and rising waters next week while southern people especially in Prachuab Kirikhan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat should also be prepared for possible flashfloods.

Chulalongkorn University has launched a new website, http://thaicrisis.chula.ac.th, to regularly report on the flooding situation, announcing that data and information are updated daily. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2013-10-12

[sjjmmi]

After the event News you Just got to love these people

[soi41]

I am sure that the professors words will be a mighty relief to the 3.500.000 people affected by this years floods!!

[robblok]

I am sure that the professors words will be a mighty relief to the 3.500.000 people affected by this years floods!!

It is a big relief to people like me who where hit by 2011 and were worried about getting hit again.

You might not see it this way but for many of us 2011 victims its stressful to worry if you get flooded again. Its not like you should trust the government you should do your own research and articles like this help.

Sure its bad for those people who where hit and i feel for them but its good to know for us others who only get hit if its big as 2011.

[Thai at Heart]

"Somchai reported he was so happy that he was only 2 feet under after than 4".

Small graces I suppose.

[IMA_FARANG]

Duh.

The floods in 2011 were the worst to occur in 60 years or so.

Can't remember what year exactly, but floods like that hadn't been seen since before 1950 ... 1944 comes to mind, but I may be wrong there.

Anyway the floods in 2011 were something like a rare once-in- many-years-event.

So any comparison between events of 2011 and events of 2013 is really irrelevant.

[MaxLee]

this year's floods less severe than in 2011 says Chulalongkorn's Associate Professor Sucharit Koontakakulvong, head of Water Resources Engineering Department.

That's a very good excuse for government agencies and their Party heads of Pheu Thai to justify their SCAMINGS for their so called Mega projects with zero regard to environmental studies and the opinions of local province people.

This is a good excuse to justify protecting Bangkok only Bangkok and sh****tload sacrifice on other provinces ...

[nong38]

They are still floods, every year there are floods and no one takes any responsiblity for the failure to deal with the situation. We all know that floods are coming but every year the country is found wanting, there is no preparation, no plan to deal with the deluge that comes, it just seems to accepted that there is little or nothing the authorities can do. It simply is not good enough to say that the floods this year are better or worse than some other reference point.

[webfact]

Flood Reaches Bangkok's Popular Island
By Khaosod Online

NONTHABURI: -- Provincial authority in Nonthaburi has declared state of emergency in Koh Kret, the popular tourist destination on the outskirt of Bangkok, as the flood hits the river island.

According to Mr. Wisit Phuangpetch, the district chief of Pak Kret, at least 10,000 families have been affected by the flood in the province, particularly Koh Kret, which lies in the middle of Chao Praya River.

The entire island is said to be flooded after the water level in Chao Praya has been rising in recent days.

Official report also inferred that at least 27 sub-districts are at risk of the flood, particularly riverside areas.

For instance, it has been reported that in Tha-it sub-district on Koh Kret Island, 700 families are currently facing 40 cm high flooding in their homes.

The authorities are also working to prevent floods in Bang-Buathong district, one of the main financial districts of the province. The area′s economic functions had completely ceased to operate during the Great Flood of

Meanwhile, in Bangkok, Department of Drainage and Sewerage is closely monitoring Naree tropical storm. The department director, Mr. Adisak Khantee, said that there is possible risk from rising water level in Chaopraya River from tidal bore during 15 – 17 October.

The provincial authority has discharged some water into San Saeb and Pravetbureerom canals.

Source: http://www.khaosod.co.th/en/view_newsonline.php?newsid=TVRNNE1UVTJNemczTWc9PQ==

-- KHAOSOD English 2013-10-12

[hammered]

Chula in stating the obvious shocker

[NongKhaiKid]

Now we know why Thai universities keep sliding down the list of the world's highest rated.

[robblok]

I been to Bang-buathong market this morning and watched the water, its high but still not that high. It might flood later on but that area is prone to flooding. It does not mean a full scale flooding. I heard from people in the gated village here that its not unusual to flood there here the only time we were flooded was 2011.. we are a bit higher as the surrounding area. I will look at it from time to time.

[sms747]

stating the bleeding obvious is never going to make them look other than Thai

Edited October 12, 2013 by sms747

[hellodolly]

width=19 alt=whistling.gif> Duh.

The floods in 2011 were the worst to occur in 60 years or so.

Can't remember what year exactly, but floods like that hadn't been seen since before 1950 ... 1944 comes to mind, but I may be wrong there.

Anyway the floods in 2011 were something like a rare once-in- many-years-event.

So any comparison between events of 2011 and events of 2013 is really irrelevant.

It does give some thing we can compare to.

Unfortunately we have a Government who will be claiming there was the same amount of water but their anti flooding programs stopped it from getting as bad as 2011.

I think 1940 was the last comparable one.

They are still floods, every year there are floods and no one takes any responsiblity for the failure to deal with the situation. We all know that floods are coming but every year the country is found wanting, there is no preparation, no plan to deal with the deluge that comes, it just seems to accepted that there is little or nothing the authorities can do. It simply is not good enough to say that the floods this year are better or worse than some other reference point.

I think in all honesty all the previous Governments are at fault in this also. It happens every year so why bother to try to lessen the impact. While it is going on they will come up with the big plans and talk and when the water is gone away they put it back on the shelf for the next year even if it is a different government. In the mean time they will have allocated money to do some thing a year later nothing dine and no money to do any thing.

The order was given two years ago by Yingluck to replace the tree's that had been cut down allowing unusually high run off. She gave them 3 months to do it. Two years later zilch, nada, none, zero, in body getting the drift of what I am saying here.

Now we know why Thai universities keep sliding down the list of the world's highest rated.

I thought they were not even on the list.

By far not the worst but no where near being on a list of good rated universities. The problem is they have to many clueless academics who paid top dollar for their degree. They need some scholars and research scientist's to turn there reputation around.

[rubl]

yesterday looking at a soap on Channel7 (some upcountry pui yai getting away with having his men hanging a woman who dared to interupt his attempt at rape of her girlfriend; luckily much has changed, all are equal now upcountry), some commercial breaks, and some interesting views of people happily walking through less than half a meter of water, villages with all around swimming facilities and the like, All water under the bridge of course

[newatthis]

Hi all,

I live outside Ayutthaya and our house is high-set about 2 metres off the ground and the area is flood prone.

From what I remember, in 2010 we got the boat out with about a metre of water under the house. I can't remember what Bangkok was like? Maybe somebody in Bangkok can help us with that.

2011...about 3 metres of water and we had to leave.

2012..nothing.

This year we only had about 5-6 inches in our front yard and that has receded.

So Bangkok won't have too much to worry about this year if our place is any indication.

2014...if they don't drain the excess, [which is in the dams now], during the dry season, I think it'll be a bad year.

[Estrada]

Duh.

The floods in 2011 were the worst to occur in 60 years or so.

Can't remember what year exactly, but floods like that hadn't been seen since before 1950 ... 1944 comes to mind, but I may be wrong there.

Anyway the floods in 2011 were something like a rare once-in- many-years-event.

So any comparison between events of 2011 and events of 2013 is really irrelevant.

Not really true. Here are the actual facts from my presentation to AMCHAM:

Until 1762 The capital of Thailand was in Ayutthaya but because of frequent flooding it was moved to Thonburi in 1767.

Due to frequent flooding in Thonburi it was moved across the river to Bangkok in 1782.

In 1785 there was a major flood 4.5metres deep

In 1819 there was a major flood 3.2 metres deep

In 1831 the floods reached the top of the city's defence wall

in 1917 there was a major flood and all roads in the city were submerged for 1 month

In 1942 there was a major flood and all roads in the city were submerged 1.5 metres deep for 3 months

In 1975 There was a major flood caused by the river flowing at the rate of 4,000m³/Sec resulting in 1,100 Million Baht damage

In 1980 There were 4 days with more than 200mm rain causing 700MB damage

In 1982 The floods caused 1,093MB damage

In 1983 Several cyclones caused flooding for 3 to 5 months resulting in 6,600MB damage

In 1995 The Chao Phraya river reached a flow of 5,400m³/sec at 2.27m above MSL. The flood dyke overflowed causing 3,000MB damage within Bangkok and 50,000MB in Greater Bangkok

In 1996 The river reached 2.14m above MSL and overflowed causing 1,500MB damage

In 2002 The floods largely affected Singhburi, Angthong, Ayutthaya, and Bangsai

In 2006 The floods affected Singhburi, Angthong, Ayutthaya, Bangsai, Tai Chen Districts: Banglen, Krathmbian and Ampur Muang Samaut Sakhon

In 2010 The floods occurred in October due to the overflow of the Chao Phraya

In 2011 There was a major flood over 2 metres deep

In 2013 There are currently floods in greater Bangkok as well as many other provinces

[flyingdoc]

Knowing the risk and severe disruption that can be caused every year at this time, coupled with the misery to all families within its path, I fail to understand how successive governments fail to tackle the problem so regularly? Is it only corruption, or are they too proud to call in experts from countries such as Holland, where they really do know what they are doing?

[toybits]

This is probably because there were no Ministers of Parliament interfering with water management and drainage.

[Halion]

"Somchai reported he was so happy that he was only 2 feet under after than 4".

Small graces I suppose.

Brilliant

and the small grace due in its entirety to mother nature without the slightest help from Government,administration or academia .

[JoeThePoster]

At this rate they need to cut that water management budget in half.

Edited October 13, 2013 by JoeThePoster

[Businessman]

"Somchai reported he was so happy that he was only 2 feet under after than 4".

Small graces I suppose.

2 ft is a lot better than 4 ft if you happen to be 3 ft tall!

[SjaakNL2013]

You must be an Associate Professor to write such a bullsh@t.

I am sure that he for is study didn t leave the university grounds. Because if he did, 1 hour drive from the Bangkok center, he would see how the flooding is working in on the daily life of the many direct and indirect affected.

Edited October 13, 2013 by SjaakNL2013

[Robby nz]

Here is the historical record of river levels at Singburi, some of the arrows have worn off but you can still see the levels and the years.

From this you can get an indication of the periods between flood levels.

With the global weather pattern working its way north again look out for the next 2 years

[hellodolly]

Knowing the risk and severe disruption that can be caused every year at this time, coupled with the misery to all families within its path, I fail to understand how successive governments fail to tackle the problem so regularly? Is it only corruption, or are they too proud to call in experts from countries such as Holland, where they really do know what they are doing?

It is only corruption every time we have a flood the politicians eyes see baht signs.

Actually the Dutch volunteered to help with water management after the 2011 flood and were told no thank you. We have academics who can handle it. One of the plans was a 100 mile long tunnel ten miles deep that believe it or not in the dry season could have traffic travel on it. So we see the results of depending on Thai academics. My apologies to the hand full who are real academics.

[Thai at Heart]

Knowing the risk and severe disruption that can be caused every year at this time, coupled with the misery to all families within its path, I fail to understand how successive governments fail to tackle the problem so regularly? Is it only corruption, or are they too proud to call in experts from countries such as Holland, where they really do know what they are doing?

It is only corruption every time we have a flood the politicians eyes see baht signs.

Actually the Dutch volunteered to help with water management after the 2011 flood and were told no thank you. We have academics who can handle it. One of the plans was a 100 mile long tunnel ten miles deep that believe it or not in the dry season could have traffic travel on it. So we see the results of depending on Thai academics. My apologies to the hand full who are real academics.

Problem is, if they don't attempt to do anything about it, then the next issue would be to designate exactly where it does and doesn't, can't and won't flood.

Once that's done, watch land prices go bonkers.

[MaxLee]

Knowing the risk and severe disruption that can be caused every year at this time, coupled with the misery to all families within its path, I fail to understand how successive governments fail to tackle the problem so regularly? Is it only corruption, or are they too proud to call in experts from countries such as Holland, where they really do know what they are doing?

It is only corruption every time we have a flood the politicians eyes see baht signs.

Actually the Dutch volunteered to help with water management after the 2011 flood and were told no thank you. We have academics who can handle it. One of the plans was a 100 mile long tunnel ten miles deep that believe it or not in the dry season could have traffic travel on it. So we see the results of depending on Thai academics. My apologies to the hand full who are real academics.

With this kind if education system, that encouraged garbage-corrupt-bought grades, it is no wonder that so called academics are so full of themselves. Most of those academics BOUGHT their degrees, or their influential rich parents did this on their off springs' behalf to save their family honor face.

Means, those academics with high grades don't need to prove anything, and let their Doctor status speak for itself with zero regard of ethnics or human lives. Face is all that matters I. This brainwashed education society...

[fab4]

Knowing the risk and severe disruption that can be caused every year at this time, coupled with the misery to all families within its path, I fail to understand how successive governments fail to tackle the problem so regularly? Is it only corruption, or are they too proud to call in experts from countries such as Holland, where they really do know what they are doing?

Does Holland have the experience to deal with reservoirs that have three functions, providing power, irrigation and flood control?

Personally speaking the last people I'd ask for advice would be those who decided to build their city on water in the first place and I don't mean the Bangkokians.............

[robblok]

Knowing the risk and severe disruption that can be caused every year at this time, coupled with the misery to all families within its path, I fail to understand how successive governments fail to tackle the problem so regularly? Is it only corruption, or are they too proud to call in experts from countries such as Holland, where they really do know what they are doing?

Does Holland have the experience to deal with reservoirs that have three functions, providing power, irrigation and flood control?

Personally speaking the last people I'd ask for advice would be those who decided to build their city on water in the first place and I don't mean the Bangkokians.............

Wow smart remark... guess facts and history are not your strong suit. First off we did not build a city on water. Second, the Dutch that live now are not the same as the one who decided to live here. That was 1000 of years ago. But hey don't let the facts come in the way of a bit of bashing.

The Dutch have experience in all these things, remember we don't only build dams in our own country we are world renowned for our knowledge and we don't just study the Dutch problems. Our engineers study also about the problems in other countries.

http://doc.utwente.nl/77885/1/Vinke-deKruijf09applying.pdf

something we did in Romania.

As for rainfall.. today 100mm fell in some places (in one day) Thailand gets 300mm on average in the month (whole month) september, there was only minor flooding some cellars and stuff. Shows that we have it mostly under control.

Edited October 13, 2013 by robblok

[DeepInTheForest]

Knowing the risk and severe disruption that can be caused every year at this time, coupled with the misery to all families within its path, I fail to understand how successive governments fail to tackle the problem so regularly? Is it only corruption, or are they too proud to call in experts from countries such as Holland, where they really do know what they are doing?

It is only corruption every time we have a flood the politicians eyes see baht signs.

Actually the Dutch volunteered to help with water management after the 2011 flood and were told no thank you. We have academics who can handle it. One of the plans was a 100 mile long tunnel ten miles deep that believe it or not in the dry season could have traffic travel on it. So we see the results of depending on Thai academics. My apologies to the hand full who are real academics.

"Actually the Dutch volunteered to help with water management after the 2011 flood and were told no thank you."

As far as I can tell, this is absolutely untrue. I challenge any reader of this forum to post evidence otherwise, although I am sure the TV chattering classes will be happily retelling this canard until the earth spirals into the sun.

You'll note there are never any supporting links whenever this crusty chestnut lifts its hoary head (to shamelessly mix a few metaphors!).

For those whose minds are clear and can consider evidence-based argument, here are a few internet pieces (excerpts and links below) that suggest that the Thai government has accepted advice from foreign experts in the past, including from the Netherlands, that Thais are involved in planning with foreign experts, and that these efforts are expected to continue into the foreseeable future. And I might add that it will come at a cost. There are very few times when experts in our world "volunteer" much of anything. If you read and still believe that Thais are refusing to seek and accept advice, well, good day to you, and I wish you happiness in your world.

Dutch experts helped Thai authorities to combat Bangkok floods

“Not re-active but pro-active, that’s the way we have assisted the Flood Relief Operations Center in Bangkok”, recall Adri Verwey and Tjitte Nauta of the research and specialist consultancy institute Deltares for coastal areas and river basins.

…as the flood crises intensified late October and Bangkok came under serious threat, … Verwey and Nauta saw their advisory role expanded to more ministries and other authorities such as the Royal Irrigation Department and the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority.

Verwey was frequently asked to attend top level meetings with the army staff and prime minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

Both flood experts look back on a very successful mission......

http://www.dutchwatersector.com/news-events/news/1643-dutch-experts-helped-thai-authorities-to-combat-bangkok-floods.html

from a collaborative symposium in January of this year:

Bangkok Adaptive City 2045

Bangkok Adaptive City 2045 is a publication, exhibition and symposium on water adaptive urban planning and architecture in Bangkok. The manifestation is being carried out by a multi disciplinary team of Thai and Dutch experts in the field of Urban Planning, Architecture and civil engineering. Together they aim to research, develop and promote the ‘Fine Traditions’ of building with water from both countries, offering solutions for today’s reality of the Bangkok Metropolis.

…

In the afternoon the participants will team up in 5 groups of approximately 10 people for parallel work sessions. Each group will be guided by a Thai-Dutch duo as a moderator. They will discuss the possibility of future research by design projects on Water-Adaptive Bangkok, with a focus on 5 central questions:

Program (what?), Sites (where?), Coalitions (who?) and Ambitions (why?)

By the end of the day, group work will be concluded and summarized as a collective agenda for further research and design programs.

The event will be moderated by Silpakorn University and van Bergen Kolpa Architects

http://www.waterforum.net/content/Artikel/4000-000/4108/130120_flyer_symposium.pdf

H.E. Johannes Andries Boer, the Dutch ambassador to Thailand , and flood-preventing specialists visit the Thai Prime Minister (14/11/2011)

http://www.thaigov.go.th/en/news-room/item/64377-he-johannes-andries-boer-the-dutch-ambassador-to-thailand--and-flood-preventing-specialists-visit-the-thai-prime-minister-14/11/2011.html

Edited October 13, 2013 by DeepInTheForest