Chumphon Flooding Worsens

[george]

Chumphon flooding worsens

CHUMPON: -- Flooding in Chumphon province Wednesday spread from three to five districts, with Muang Chumphon residents evacuating in panic last night.

Chumphon has had continuous rain since Sunday and floodwater now covers Muang, Pathiu, Tha Sae, Sawi and Phato districts, said Deputy Governor Veera Srivathanatrakoon.

More than 2,000 families in Phato and 459 families in Muang were affected by flooding, while 1,781 families in Sawi suffered damage worth nearly Bt14 million, said Veera. Damage was still being assessed in Tha Sae and Pathiu.

Twenty households in Muang's Khao Poon and Bang Peng villages called for rescue workers' help last night to evacuate them to higher ground. Some people were sheltering in a temple pavilion.

Extensive property damage in Phato, Tha Sae, Sawi and Muang prompted Veera to declare the districts disaster zones.

--The Nation 2006-08-16

[baboon]

Yeah, it has been pretty rough down here over the last few days.I am one of the lucky ones who has not been badly affected, although I have seen many poor bastards up to thier waists in filthy water outside their homes with foul looking creatures drifting around in the water. I take my hat off to them for being so stoical.

The electricity, telephone and water systems have been relatavely unaffected, at least where I am. The Police have been out in force too, directing traffic and generally looking after residents.To all of them I want to give a big THANKYOU for their sterling afforts to keep the place up and running.We forget all too often when the Thai authorities do a good job.

The water is subsiding gradually.Let us hope for a couple of days without rain.

[Scott]

Best of luck to all the affected people. Fire and water--they make good servants, but poor masters.

[Jai Dee]

Over 10 schools in Chumporn have been damaged from flood

Over 10 schools in Chumphon (ชุมพร) Province have been damaged from flood, while other 50 schools are temporarily closed and they will be reopened on August 21st.

Following the flood incident on August 14th in Chumphon, 12 schools have reportedly been inundated. However, some other schools are still facing the flood disaster and officials could not report the damage at this moment.

Meanwhile, provincial education department will allocate emergency budgets to help restore the damaged schools.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

Water level in Tha Ta Pao Canal has reduced

The water level in Tha Ta Pao Canal in Chumphon Province has lessened even though certain areas have to deal with the stagnant water. Officials are now draining the water out of those areas.

Mr. Samuer Saengarun (เสมอ แสงอรุณ), the head of the Chumphon Provincial Irrigation Project, reported that the water levels in Tha Ta Pao, Tha Sae and Rub Ror canals have decreased. In addition, the water levels in all other canals in the province are below their critical levels. However, water is stagnant in certain areas, but officials are using 10 water pumps to drain the water in two locations at the moment.

Mr. Samuer said the stagnant water is caused from the construction of roads and land fillings. As a result, the water could not be drained efficiently.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 August 2006

[baboon]

The situation seems to be definately improving. There has been no dramatic rainfall over the last couple of days. Chumphon is still very much open to business. Come on down here, have a good time and buy me a drink or two!

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister visits Chumphon to evaluate damages from the flood

Interior Minister Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wantana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา) has visited Chumphon (ชุมพร) Province in order to evaluate damages after the province was hit by flood.

Speaking about the flood situation in Chumphon, he said that the situation has improved. He said he will also find ways to prevent flooding in the long run, this time of his visiting. He said that relevant units are discussing a new town plan, as most residences obstruct the water flow.

Regarding preparations for dealing with flood in other provinces, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak said he has assigned the Yasothorn (ยโสธร) Disaster Prevention and Mitigation office to prepare to handle possible floods. He also reminded them to warn people about possible disasters in advance.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 August 2006

[Jai Dee]

49,000 rai of farmland in Chumphon have been flooded

The Chumphon Agriculture office has concluded that 49,000 rai of farmlands were flooded during the recent round of flooding, and this resulted in 11 million baht of damages.

Chumphon Agriculture office chief Suchart Thongrod (สุชาติ ทองรอด) reported on the damages incurred from flooding in the province during August 14-18, which affected farmlands in 219 villages in 5 districts. 37,000 rai of fruit plantations suffered damage, whereas 7,000 rai of crops and 3,000 rai of rice were damaged. The damage toll is initially put at 11.5 million baht.

Mr. Thanet Thawinwang (ธเนศ ถวิลหวัง), the head of the Livestock Office in Chumphon, said that livestock raising areas have been widely flooded, and this has deprived cattles of food. From the office's survey 3,500 cattles in the 5 flooded districts have been affected.

The office has already handed out 30 tons of dry grass to raisers, and this should alleviate their trouble to an extent. He also said that those in flooded areas may request livestock feed from the livestock feed development station in Thasae (ท่าแซะ) district.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 August 2006