12 Die As Floods Wreak Havoc

[RamdomChances]

Here's some pic's of the flooding in Nakhon Sawan, this does more or less happen every year BTW

Nice new house, so much for building on stilts

This is the U-turn raod under the bridge

[aonangkrabi]

LA NINA has nothing to do with it as LA NINA has disappeared already. It is being replaced by EL NINO that usually causes warmer and drier conditions than average. Thailand better prepare for the coming drought.

I thought I read last March, that the La Nina effect would last until May 2007. Just in time for the next monsoon season.

Regards

This whole LA NINA thing was a hoax. The met office signalled a nina event and sent out warnings about a wetter than usual rainy season. By then it was clear already that (1) the nina event was weak and (2) was disappearing rapidly. It was gone by May 2006. In some parts of Thailand the rainy season was wetter than average, but other parts were drier. That's the way these things happen...

Though the scientific basis of the met office's forecast was not solid, the forecast proved accurate for most of Thailand. I think it's pure luck, a coincidence.

If you want to know more details about NINA and NINO events, this is an excellent site:

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/anal...s-fcsts-web.pdf

[george]

Nonthaburi Flooded, State Of Emergency

Heavy flooding hit thousands of homes and "Koh Kred"

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=85989

[magok naam]

I guess we can expect some more water in the coming days:

http://www.tmd.go.th/program/daily_w_forecast.php

http://www.tmd.go.th/linkframe/satellite_show_en.html

[magok naam]

...or maybe not - they got it all "under control":

http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=25123

[Jai Dee]

Eastern, northern, northeastern and southern provinces are cautioned of landslides and forest floods

The Meteorological Department has warned residents in mountainous areas and highlands in the northeastern provinces of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Loei, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Chaiyaphum, the eastern provinces of Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaeo and Prachin Buri, the northern provinces of Petchabun, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Phrae, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang, and the southern provinces of Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, Songkhla and nearby provinces of possible landslides and forest floods during this period.

The causes are due to the influences of the tropical storm and the monsoon in the southwestern region.

The department has warned people to be careful of landslides in mountainous areas, and they should be cautious while traveling as rocks can obstruct the routes.

Volunteers have been ordered to observe the situation and report any rainfall and landslide occurrences to the Department of Mineral Resources.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Floods have not hit rubber plantations in Phitsanulok

The head of the Rubber Plantation Assistance Center in Phitsanulok, Mr. Somsak Phromchotichai, said about 11,000 rai of rubber farmlands in the province have not been hit by floods, while the rubber seedlings have been grown according to standard.

Mr. Somsak said the province of Phitsanulok has allocated a provincial integrated development budget of 20 million baht for this year. The budget will help farmers to grow rubber in 11,000 rai of farmlands in the districts of Nakhon Thai, Chart Trakarn and Wang Tong. The rubber seedlings have been grown since the beginning of this July, and they have grown well as determined because of the long period of precipitation. He said the rubber farmlands are located on highlands, and therefore, they have not been affected by floods.

Mr. Somsak said farmers can harvest their crops by the next four to five years as the plants have grown normally.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Typhoon Xangsane has weakened and entered Thailand since last night

The Meteorological Department indicated that Typhoon Xangsane has weakened and moved to the provinces of Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchathani since last night. The typhoon is continuously causing heavy rainfall in many areas of Thailand.

Yesterday, the Director-General of the Meteorological Department, Mr. Supariksh Tansrirattanawong, disclosed that Typhoon Xangsane had a maximum speed near its center of 120 kilometers per hour, and it was around 180 kilometers away from the eastern side of Ubon Ratchathani. The typhoon traveled at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour. M

Mr. Supariksh said the East and the Northeast will experience heavier rainfall, strong winds, flashfloods, and forest floods before other regions of Thailand. Therefore, he has asked people to be careful of heavy rains and strong winds during this period. The influences of Xangsane are likely to affect the central region, starting this morning.

At the same time, the southwestern monsoon is covering the Andaman Sea, the southern and eastern regions, and the Gulf of Thailand. The strength of this monsoon is still strong, and the southern and eastern provinces will face more rains and floods. Risky provinces include Prachin Buri, Trat, Ranong, Chumphon, and Phang-nga.

The tidal waves in the Gulf of Thailand will be around two to four meters in height, and small trawlers are warned to stay ashore over the next few days.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006

[ColPyat]

Floods have not hit rubber plantations in Phitsanulok

The head of the Rubber Plantation Assistance Center in Phitsanulok, Mr. Somsak Phromchotichai, said about 11,000 rai of rubber farmlands in the province have not been hit by floods, while the rubber seedlings have been grown according to standard.

Mr. Somsak said the province of Phitsanulok has allocated a provincial integrated development budget of 20 million baht for this year. The budget will help farmers to grow rubber in 11,000 rai of farmlands in the districts of Nakhon Thai, Chart Trakarn and Wang Tong. The rubber seedlings have been grown since the beginning of this July, and they have grown well as determined because of the long period of precipitation. He said the rubber farmlands are located on highlands, and therefore, they have not been affected by floods.

Mr. Somsak said farmers can harvest their crops by the next four to five years as the plants have grown normally.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006

I wonder where and how Khun Somsak here collects his information, our farm (no rubber) is in one of those districts.

Most rubber trees in the surrounding plots there grow too slow, in several plantations the trees did not grow at all, such as in the plot next to our farm, which has now returned to bushland.

The treest that in our area do grow well, are all in illegal plantations in the forest.

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Station warns people of sudden flood influenced from Typhoon Xangsane

The Meteorological Station in Trat Province has warned people of flash flood influenced from Typhoon Xangsane.

Mr. Jakkapong Wang-bon (จักรพงษ์ วังบอน), the Deputy Chief of the Meteorological Station in Trat, has revealed that the province will experience an 80 percent increase of rain due to the influences of Typhoon Xangsane. People who are residing in risky areas must be aware of the hazards over the next three to four days.

The waves in the Andaman Sea are around two to four meters high, and small boats are advised to stay ashore. People should also follow the news about Typhoon Xangsane closely.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Meteorological Department's 16th announcement on Xangsane

16th announcement of the Meteorological Department on Xangsane (ช้างสาร).

As of 4pm this afternoon Xangsane depression was centered in Nakhonratchasima. At that time the highest wind speed, near the center of the storm, was approximately 55 kilometers per hour. The storm was moving westwards at 15 kilometers per hour, and this will lead to widespread thundershowers in the lower northern region, the northeastern region, the eastern region and the central region including Bangkok.

Those in risky areas, especially in Surin, Buriram, Nakhonratchasima, Loei, Khon Kaen, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Pichit, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat area, are urged to be aware of dangers from heavy rainfall, flash floods and forest floods.

In the south, especially the Andaman coast, influence from southwesterly monsoon will be felt. Abundant rain will occur, including heavy to very heavy rain. Flash flood and forest flood may occur in risky areas in Ranong, Chumphon and Phang-Nga. Waves in the gulf of Thailand will be 2-3 meters high, and navigators are urged to take caution at sea.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Flood in Ayutthaya believed to aggravate

Ayutthaya Governor Somchai Chumrat (สมชาย ชุ่มรัตน์) conceded to the aggravation of flooding in his province, but said there will not be any release of water into farmlands as yet.

Flooding in Bangban (บางบาล), Bangsai (บางไทร), Pakhai (ผักไห่) and Sena (เสนา) districts are still raising concerns today. Water from Noi (น้อย) River recently overflown from the banks and inundated 6 spots on highway number 3454, prompting difficulties for small vehicles to pass.

The provincial governor said water from the 4 rivers in the province will not yet be diverted into farmlands. However he believes the flood situation in the province will intensify and he is still urging subdistrict chiefs and village headmen to provide more assistance to residents.

Rattanachai Chulanet (รัตนชัย จุลเนตร), the head of the Public Health office in Ayutthaya, has ordered every hospital in the province to stockpile vaccines for treating poisonous animal bites and snake serums. He said that after inquiring with each hospital, every hospital has reportedly stocked up vaccines and serums.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Culture Ministry is apprehensive about flood situation in ancient Chaiyawattanaram Temple

The Ministry of Culture is concerned for Chaiyawattanaram Temple, an ancient temple in Ayutthaya, following the continuous precipitation in the province due to the influences of Tropical Storm Xangsane. The ministry has therefore assigned the Archaeology Institute to organize officers to look after the old sacred temple 24 hours a day.

Mr. Veera Rojanapajonrat, the acting Permanent Secretary to the Culture Ministry, disclosed that the officials are closely overseeing the flood situation in Chaiyawattanaram Temple as it is located near the riverbank. The ministry is concerned that the flood could damage the place, and the constructions may collapse. According to the recent report, the water level in the river has risen almost at the level of the flood barriers, and some amount of floodwater has already seeped into the temple.

Rain is continually falling for two days non-stop, and Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province has released a large amount of water, or around 2,500 cubic meters of water per second. The situation is considered critical, and other temples have been affected from the surging floodwater.

Nevertheless, officials from the Archaeology Institute are closely observing the flood situation in Chaiyawattanaram Temple all day and night.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Sappaya District of Chainat suffers from severe flood

The district of Sappaya in Chainat Province is suffering from serious flood. Floodwater has risen above 80 centimeters in every tambon of the district, but the officials are now helping the affected people urgently.

The District Chief of Suppaya, Mr. Woratat Wanichangkul (นายวรทัต วานิชอังกูร), said the water from Chao Phraya River in Nakhon Sawan Province is flowing 3,593 cubic meters per second while the water from Chao Phraya Dam is flowing 2,619 cubic meters per second. He said the amount of the surging water is above the forecast, and over 2,000 local households and 7,166 rai of farmlands have been inundated. Some residents along the routes of Chainat and Sing Buri have evacuated to higher grounds.

As for the aid from the government side, Mr. Jadej Musikwong (เจด็จ มุสิกวงศ์), the Governor of Chainat, and Mrs. Chandpen Musikwong (จันทร์เพ็ญ มุสิกวงศ์), the head of Chainat Red Cross, gave out thousands of survival kits to the locals last Saturday.

Furthermore, both of them asked for backup assistance from the local police officers so they can check out the overall security of the flooded areas.

They will donate more survival kits to other tambons such as Taluk, Had Asa and Ponangdumork.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

TROPICAL DEPRESSION

Xangsane set to hit Bangkok today

Storm downgraded but has already brought heavy rain to Northeast, lower North

Typhoon Xangsane brought heavy rain to many parts of the country yesterday. Phichit was especially hard hit and three villages were under near-ly three metres of water.

Xangsane was downgraded to a depression on Sunday evening but continued to bring heavy rain and strong winds to the Northeast - including Ubon Ratchathani's Muang and Khong Chiam districts and Sawang Weerawong sub dis-trict. Dozens of trees and electric pylons were felled in Warin Chamrap district. Many roads were blocked.

Khon Kaen's Chi River broke its banks and flooded homes and 10,000 rai of farmland in Wang Yai district. Local authorities dis-patched boats with relief supplies.

In Buri Ram, three passengers in a pickup were injured when the vehicle was hit by a falling tree on Ban Kruat-Lahan Sai Road in Ban Kruat district. Many roads in Muang district were also flooded.

However, rainfall brought relief to farmers and 3.5 million rai of drought-stricken rice crops. Buri Ram reservoirs are brimming.

Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit, Bhumipol Dam in Tak and Pasak Cholasit Dam in Lop Buri were all forced to release water. The Bhumipol and Pasak Cholasit dams are spilling a combined 35 million cubic metres a day. Nearby residents have been warned to be alert to rising river levels.

In Sam Ngam district in Phichit, Nong Bua and Tha Thong villages were under three metres of water as a result of rains and Yom River flooding. Villagers were running low on food and water.

A Pho Prathap Chang district village headman Somyos Kongkleu, 50, was said to have committed suicide after residents became angry and blamed him for insufficient relief supplies.

In Angthong, the Chao Phya Dam was forced to spill water causing the Chao Phya River to burst a 60-metre stretch of a flood-protection dyke in Muang district yesterday morning. Two houses were destroyed and another 700 flooded within 20 minutes of the breach. Boats evacuated residents - some injured.

In Chon Buri's Sattahip district, the Royal Thai Navy dispatched 350 officers to help load 15,200 relief bags for the Princess Pa Foundation to deliver to flood-affected villagers in five northern provinces.

In Uthai Thani, officials reported 69 villages and 15,403 rai of farmland in Muang, Thap Than, Nong Chang, Sawang Arom, and Nong Kha Yang were flooded, affecting 3, 617 residents.

Nearly 200 Naresuan University students in Phitsanulok has been hospitalised since last week after drinking water suspected of being contaminated by bacteria caused by flooding.

Disaster prevention official Wanchai Chaowanapanja said the seven provinces in the upper South - especially Phang Nga, Phuket and Krabi - were at risk of floods and landslides.

In Phang Nga, the body of a three-year-old boy was recovered 400 metres from where he was swept away by floodwaters on Saturday.

In Chiang Mai, Governor Suwat Tantipat said Bt1 million would be spent to help residents in Samoeng district - declared a disaster zone after the Kong Jok earth dam burst on Saturday, destroying homes and flooding 400 rai of farmland.

The Mineral Resources Department warned of landslides in highland and hill-country areas of Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Loei, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Trat, Chanthaburi, Sa Kaew, Prachin Buri, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Uttaradit, Phrae, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Lampang, Trang, Phatthalung, Satun, and Songkhla.

The weather Department said Xangsane would reach central Thailand this morning. Heavy rain and flash floods were expected in the lower North, Northeast, East and Central Thailand - including Greater Bangkok. The south-west monsoon would bring rain and associated flooding to Ranong, Chumphon, and Phang Nga.

The Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea could expect two- to three-metre swells. A maritime warning is in force.

Xangsane weakened from a typhoon to a depression after it hit land and headed towards Thailand. It now packs winds up to 55 kilo-metres per hour and is travelling south-west at 15 kilometres an hour.

Source: The Nation - 3 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry to lend its hands to farmers affected by flood

Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry urged agriculture agencies to provide assistance to farmers, who are affected by flood situation.

Mr. Sompetch Kathung (สมเพชร กาทุ่ง), an agricultural officer from Phrae said that the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry has emphasized all units under the ministry to follow the Council of National Security (CNS)'s instructions to all agencies to quickly provide assistance to farmers suffering from the flood situation. CNS advised units to proactively solve problems related to prices of agricultural products and farmers’ debts and to seek measures to assist flood-affected farmers.

As for operating plans, he said that each unit will continue its projects to achieve its target. He said that other projects involved in procurement and law regulations will be implemented under a considerable manner, while projects related to the new government’s policies will be temporarily suspended until a clearer vision comes about from the new government.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Gov agencies told to keep watch on flooding problems

Supreme Commander General Boonsrang Niumpradit (พล.อ.บุญสร้าง เนียมประดิษฐ์), has instructed all government officials to keep a close watch at the flooding situation. He said the floods in major provinces across the country have subsided.

In the north, the situation has retuned to normal whereas in the north east, Typhoon Xangsane has reportedly benefited Korat with the recent drought.

The Royal Irrigation Department chief has ordered officials to keep draining water from submerged parts of eastern Bangkok into the Bang Pakong River and the Gulf of Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Royal Irrigation Department cooperates to officials to ensure the strength of barriers to prevent possible flood

The Royal Irrigation Department Director-General, Mr. Samart Chokkhanapitak (สามารถ โชคคณาพิทักษ์), has worked with the officials in observing the water level to prevent possible flood from occurring. However, the influences of Tropical Storm Xangsane have alleviated the water shortage problem in the Northeast, as the water level has increased in many local reservoirs.

Mr. Samart said that water in Chao Phraya River in Nakhon Sawan Province is still flowing at the same rate at 3,650 cubic meters per second since yesterday afternoon. He said the speed remains unchanged because the amount of rainfall in the North has decreased.

Mr. Samart said the water from Bangsai (บางไทร) District in Ayutthaya (อยุธยา) Province will flow to Bangkok at 3,200 cubic meters per second and will stay at around 3,200 to 3,300 cubic meters for a while. He said that the water level will slowly decrease as some areas in Phichit (พิจิตร) Province are still submerged.

He has assigned every province along the Chao Phraya River to check the strength of water barriers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM commands all units to be ready for the flood situation in the future

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont reiterated that all relevant agencies have to prepare for the flood situation, as it is still a worrying issue.

Army Capt. Yongyuth Maiyalarp, the Spokesman of the Prime Minister’s Office, said Gen. Surayud had visited and inspected the flood-stricken areas in the provinces of Ang Thong and Sing Buri. The Prime Minister acknowledged the problems of the troubled people, and ordered relevant units, including the Ministry of Interior and the Public Health Ministry, to urgently help them and follow the situation very closely. The Prime Minister admitted that he is still concerned with the flood situation, and from now on, all units have to be prepared for the flood problems in the future. He also would like the general public to cooperate with the government sector.

Regarding the proposal to install more water barriers in Ang Thong Province, Army Capt. Yongyuth would like the public to understand that there are also other important areas, such as the commercial and governmental zones, that need to be protected.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai leader and team to visit flood victims

Chart Thai Party core members will visit the provinces of Ang Thong and Sing Buri to monitor the flood situations and aid the local people tomorrow.

Chart Thai Party deputy leader Somsak Prisanananthakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล) revealed that tomorrow (Oct 6th) at around 10 AM, Chart Thai leader Banharn Silpa-archa (บรรหาร ศิลปอาชา) and party members Nikorn Chamnong (นิกร จำนง) and Weerasak Kosurat (วีระศักดิ์ โควสุรัตน์) will take a trip to Ang Thong to monitor the flood situations and confer with the provincial governor to prepare aiding guidelines.

The Chart Thai members will also give away relief supplies to the flood victims. They will travel to Tambon Yan Sue and watch the reservoir construction at Bang Kaew Canal. They will visit Ang Thong Hospital and the municipal market. Following their visit to Ang Thong, they are scheduled to visit Sing Buri in the afternoon.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Acting Permanent Secretary for Interior is worried about flood victims

The Deputy Permanent Secretary to the Interior Ministry, Mr. Chairuek Ditha-amnart (ชัยฤกษ์ ดิษฐอำนาจ), has expressed his concern for the flood-hit people and areas, while urging provincial governors to provide full assistance.

Mr. Chairuek, also acting Permanent Secretary for Interior, has assigned governors in flood-stricken provinces to quickly help the affected people. He said that every relevant unit and people have cooperated well in aiding the people in flooded areas. However, he is worried about Rayong, Chanthaburi and other provinces situated along the Chao Phraya (เจ้าพระยา) River, and has urged officials to closely observe the flood situation.

Mr. Chairuek has warned of higher sea level on October 10th, as the rising water can cause floods in Bangkok and many provinces. Officials in Bangkok however have prepared the measures to deal with the flood problems. However, the situation will also depend on the amount of rainfall.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont inspects flood mitigation efforts in Muang Angthong’s tambon Tha Id where residents are piling up more sandbags to keep flood water out.

Source: The Nation - 5 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Tourist destinations in 4 central provinces have indirectly hit by floods

The Director-General of the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Region 6, Mrs. Nittaya Uampitthaya (นิตยา อ่วมพิทยา), has admitted that the flood situation in the four central provinces has interrupted the tourism industry because members of the public and tourists assume that the tourist destinations and ancient sites have been affected.

The flood in Ayutthaya Province is expanding to wider areas, especially in Sena Market in Sena District as the water level there has exceeded by more than 20 centimeters since yesterday. The average water level there is around 40 to 60 centimeters, and villagers have to travel by boats and three-wheeled motorcycles to buy goods at the market. Cars and pickups are no longer able to travel in along the inundated roads. Wooden bridges have also been constructed to facilitate people in purchasing various products from the market to their residences.

Mrs. Nittaya said the flood situation in the four central provinces of Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, and Nonthaburi has affected some areas of the tourism industry. Tourist destinations such as temples and historical destinations along the riverbanks have welcomed fewer tourists as they fear that the locations have been hit by floods. Therefore, the TAT is clarifying the tourists about the actual situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

9 types of flood-related diseases on alert

Permanent-Secretary of Public Health Ministry Prach Boonyawongwiroj (ปราชญ์ บุณยวงศ์วิโรจน์) has assigned all Public Health Offices to warn residents of the 9 types of diseases, resulting from the flood situation. He said as more than 100,000 people were infected with the diseases.

These diseases include leptospilosis, cholera, diarrhea, conjunctivitis and measles. The diseases, however, are under surveillance as medical units have been dispatched to provide assistance to residents suspected with the common diseases.

According to reports released by the Health Ministry, already 106,218 people have been infected with the diseases and the numbers are likely to increase.

Minor illnesses include allergic syndrome, influenza, muscle-related syndrome and stress.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Buddha statues in Praiwan Temple in Angthong district are inundated on Thursday as the province was hard hit by the flood following consecutive days of heavy rains.

Photo by Kititnun Rodsupan - The Nation - 5 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Parts of Trat province now inundated, after heavy rain today

Many areas in Trat province have been affected by heavy rainfall. Several tambons in Laem_ngob (แหลมงอบ) district have become inundated and one road in the district has been severely damaged.

Sandbag barriers had to be put up in Tambon Namchiew (น้ำเชี่ยว) to prevent water from flooding homes, and the water level there is still on the rise.

In Kohkook (เกาะกูด) subdistrict the heavy rain damaged 4 roads in 4 villages in addition to a bridge. One house was completely swept down by the floodwater and 3 were partially damaged.

In Koh Chang (เกาะช้าง) subdistrict no reports of damage from the rain have yet been received, and this is expected to be due to the improved water dissipation system on the island following last October's flood.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Provinces along Chao Phraya River are warned of rising water

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warns members of the public in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and other provinces along Chao Phra River to be careful of the rising level of seawater.

Mr. Anucha Mokhawet, the Director-General of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said all regions in Thailand will continue to experience heavy rainfall over the next couple of days due to the influences of Tropical Storm Xangsane.

The lower northern provinces of Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and Phichit have been specially cautioned.

Provinces along Chao Phraya River, including Nonthaburi and Pathum, as well as the eastern districts of Bangkok, namely Lad Krabang, Minburi, Bangkapi, Prawet, Nongjok, and Suan Luang, have been cautioned of another round of rising seawater.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Pichit still providing relief packages to flood victims

Pichit (พิจิตร) Province is still distributing relief packages to assist flood-affected people, while the situation in areas of Nan (น่าน) and Yom (ยม) Rivers has improved.

This morning Mr. Chatchanut Nakpaichitra (นายชัชณัฐ นาคไพจิตร), a public relations officer from Pichit Province, has handed relief packages to flood victims at Kratumdeud (กระทุ่มน้ำเดือด) Temple in Sam ngam (สามง่าม) District. In the meantime, several government officials have been providing other forms of assistances to residents at Wangplatu (วังปลาทู) Temple in Sam ngam (สามง่าม) District.

Mr. Chatchanut said that currently, the water level in Yom River has decreased by 40 centimeters and the water level in Nan River has subsided by 1 meter. He, however, said that some areas in the province will be flooded again in less than a month.

At the same time, the province has warned residents to be on alert regarding diseases resulting from the flood.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 05 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Pathum Thani is under water

Pathum Thani Governor Nares Jitsujaritwong said Thursday that all districts in the province except Nong Sua were flooded.

And he had declared the districts of Muang Pathum Thani, Sam Khok, Lat Lum Kaeo, Klong Luang, Thanyaburi and Lam Luk Ka as disaster zones.

Pathum Thani has been hit hard by floodwater from the North, which has caused water levels to rise by 50cm a day. Officials built earthen dikes along Wat Bang Kradi Road to keep water out of the local industrial area.

Source: The Nation - 6 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Barriers fail to stop relentless flooding

Flood barriers in Muang district were unable to stop the Chao Phya River from bursting its banks yesterday, leaving 350 residences including Wat Tal Jed Chor's dormitory for 120 orphans under 2.5 metres of water in less than an hour.

Angthong Governor Wiboon Sanguanphong sent 100 soldiers - who had been piling sandbags and erecting concrete pillars as a back-up to earthen dikes in front of Angthong Hospital - to assist flood victims and use heavy machinery to build flood barriers at nearby areas about to be submerged.

Angthong Hospital moved medical equipment to higher ground, conducted a drill for patient evacuation and contacted other hospitals to take its patients in case the hospital was flooded.

Major General Ritthikrai Oonpan of the 13th Army Base, whose responsibility covers Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Angthong and Ayutthaya, said Anthong's flood was now beyond critical and worse than 2002. As a result, 1,000 soldiers were being sent to protect flood-risk government offices, hospitals and marketplaces.

In Phitsanulok's Bang Rakham district, the Public Health Ministry dispatched mental health officials to prevent suicides among flood-affected residents.

Deputy director-general of the Mental Health Department Seree Hongyok said this year's widespread flooding prompted officials to watch for suicidal and depressed patients in flood-hit Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, and Phitsanulok - and might include Angthong and Singburi.

From September 5 to October 4, nine districts were flooded, affecting 33,291 people, provincial health official Thawatchai Kamoltham said. The province also had a high suicide attempt rate of 467 cases this year - with 42 succeeding.

The worst hit area, Bang Rakham, had 107 villages submerged for 30 days and 29,516 residents affected. Many locals were highly stressed due to crop damage from flooding, he said. Last month, a 50-year-old man in Tambon Pluk Rad committed suicide by drinking pesticide.

Meanwhile, permanent secretary for Public Health, Prat Boonyawongvirot ordered health officials to be alert to water-borne diseases including leptospirosis, cholera, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis, measles, dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis and athlete's foot, the latter being responsible for 45 per cent of the 106,218 flood-affected patients. Yesterday 300,000 basic first-aid kits were sent to flood-hit provinces, Prat said.

Sing Buri provincial health official Sirichai Limsakul said that since September 29 over 5,268 patients had fallen ill from flood-borne diseases - with 2,600 cases on Wednesday alone.

The Chao Phya River destroyed a one-kilometre stretch of flood barriers made of sandbags in Phrom Buri district and submerged 500 homes in Pak Bang market area under 1.5-metres of water in less than two hours.

At nearby Tambon Bang Krabeu, the Princess Pa Foundation sent 30 naval officers to pile sandbags along the river to keep the rising water at bay. In Ayutthaya, Muang Phranakhon residents and soldiers piled sandbags to keep floodwater off the island city where many historic sites are located.

The Chao Phraya River had nearly breached the barriers at well-known Chaiwattanaram Temple, while the Pasak River managed to rise by 20 centimetres and inundate nearly 60 riverside homes.

Source: The Nation - 6 October 2006