Country braces for floods, landslides

Authorities in Bangkok and many provinces are strengthening measures to cope with flash floods and landslides following heavy rain throughout the country.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration yesterday announced that it is tightening flood control measures because of the heavy falls, while asking the city’s residents for their cooperation in tackling the flood issue.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said yesterday that BMA is preparing for floods by monitoring more than 300 flood-prone, low-lying areas, most of which are in an area which includes Vibhavadi, Chatuchak, Lat Phrao, Sukhumvit and Klong Toey.

“More water pumps will be installed in some risk areas, and BMA mobile teams will be on standby around the clock,” he said.

He added that, in view of the rains, BMA will speed up dredging drains and canals in the city to improve water drainage. He urged all agencies concerned to cooperate and coordinate flood prevention and eradication. BMA has asked the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to be ready to provide emergency power during heavy storms, he said.

“The public should not drop garbage or grease into gutters because they can obstruct water drainage,” he warned.

The governor said that flood prevention, especially early next month, will focus on major roads because they will be the routes for the royal motorcades and the vehicles of prominent foreign guests who will be participating in the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of His Majesty the King’s accession to the throne.

Meanwhile, the Mineral Resources Department has warned of possible landslides in the southern and eastern regions following the countrywide heavy rains.

The department has issued a warning to citizens living on high ground in the mountainous areas of Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Trang, Krabi, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces to be alert for signs of landslides and flash floods in the next few days. Moreover, a low pressure system is moving across the country in an easterly direction and may cause more rains. Citizens are advised to exercise caution when traveling in hilly areas in case of landslides.

In the southern province of Krabi, a piece of land measuring three metres by five meters subsided 100 meters from a residential area in Nong Talay subdistrict. A local official said that the subsidence may have been caused by the continuous, heavy rains in the area. The authorities are investigating to find out the cause. Villagers have marked the affected spot by surrounding it with a rope. They are remaining in the area because they have not been ordered to evacuate.

Source: ThaiDay - 22 May 2006

I can't beleive the amount of rain thats been hitting us here (chanthaburi) for the last 4 days, It has been incredable really. Non-stop heavy for hours then half hour break then back into it again, 4 days of it has now given me the sh*ts to tell you the truth but i do love it at the same time, It is amazing how much water can fall in a short period of time!

Cheers,