Floods In North Reaching Critical Level

[george]

Floods in North reaching critical level

PHITSANULOK: -- Although the rains have stopped in several northern provinces in the past few days, provincial and irrigation authorities are worried about the alarming rate of rising water levels at several dams in the region.

Here in Phitsanulok province, the water level in the Nan River rose to 10.05 metres at a major bridge Sunday morning, slightly passing the critical level. Provincial officials are currently monitoring the water level of the river and hope that the province could be saved from severe flooding if there is no more heavy rain.

In neighbouring Uttaradit, Sirikit Dam deputy director Suthep Lertsrimongkol said the decision was made to stop releasing water into the Nan River on Friday. Since 10pm Friday night when water discharge was halted to control the flow of the river, the water level has been rising in the dam itself.

The Sirikit Dam is able to hold another 800 million cubic metres of water before it peaks at its full capacity at 9,510 million cubic metres.

The waters of the Yom River in Sukhothai province reached full flood stage and overflowed its banks, inundating four villages while the main road leading to the airport is under some 30-50 centimetres of water.

In Thailand's northernmost province of Chiang Rai, water level in several rivers continue rising. There has been no rainfall in three days, but water run-off from neighbouring Myanmar is contributing to possible on this side of the border.

More than 200 houses in three villages in Mae Chan district have been affected by floods while crops on several thousand rai have been damaged.

The situation in Phichit province is also worrisome, according to Governor Phinit Pitchayakal, who ordered officials to install more sandbags along the banks of the Nan River to prevent floodwaters from entering important commercial and tourist centres.

Many residents from nine Phichit villages have already evacuated to higher ground.

--TNA 2006-09-24

[george]

Flood warning for Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani

The Meteorological Department Sunday advised people in Phichit, Nakhon Sawan, Chai Nat and Uthai Thani to remain vigilant as flooding and overflowing in their provinces will likely continue.

These provinces were either in upper Central Region or lower North.

In a northern province of Phitsanulok, flooding already hit many areas. However, some people managed to find the bright side from the floodwater. Some residents were seen relaxing by a submerged field, while many teenagers were seen catching fish from the knee-length floodwater.

On a dark side, 194 roads in Phitsanulok were submerged. In Tambon Bang Rakam, some 30 families had to huddle on a road, the only place high enough not be affected by flooding.

In a central province of Angthong, hundreds of families were now living in flooded houses. In worst-hit spots, the floodwater reached up to one metre high. Relevant officials were now working hard to prevent floodwater from invading towns.

"If flooding reaches the town, economic damages in our local area may be higher than Bt100millions," said Kittisak Trarungruang, mayor of Muang Sena Municipality.

--The Nation 2006-09-24

[george]

23 schools in Phitasanulok closed following floods

PHITSANULOK: -- Worsening flooding prompted the Education Zone 1 to close 23 schools Tuesday.

The 21 of the schools were inundated by rising waters of the Yom River while two other schools were not hit by floods by the zone chief feared that students could be in danger while traveling to and from school.

The schools will remain closed until flood waters subside.

-- The Nation 2006-09-26

[Jai Dee]

Workmen build flood barriers along the banks of the Chao Phya River to protect historic Wat Chaiwattanaram in Ayutthaya.

Source: The Nation - 26 September 2006

[Scott]

Best of luck to all of you. Fire and Water--they make good servants, but poor masters.

[astral]

The Sirikit Dam is able to hold another 800 million cubic metres of water before it peaks at its full capacity at 9,510 million cubic metres.

Good news with the dry season just around the corner.

[Rinrada]

Can I leave my wellies at home (green ones) and has it stopped raining yet....?...prefer to travel lite.......raybanns only....

[billd766]

Where I live 60 km southwest of Khampaeng Phet in the Central provinces it has p1ssed down for most of the day (plus the electricity went out at midnight and finally came back at 18:00).

The stream where we sometimes get water from in the dry season is almost to the top of the banks whereas in the dry season it is normally 2 metres lower.

None of the people around here have seen it so high in years.

It is not a problem for us yet as we live on the other side of the road about 5 metres higher and it will take a lot more rain before it gets to us.

There are not that many houses that side of the road anyway so obviously local history (old wives tales) works.