Flood Warnings For 29 Provinces, Critical In Many Provinces

[george]

Flood warnings for 29 provinces, critical in many provinces

PHICHIT: -- Thailand's meteorologcal department has issued flood warnings for 29 provinces in the country's north, northeast and central regions, while food shortages, illness, and stress are affecting many victims in areas already hit by the seasonal floods.

Residents in the northern province of Phichit moved their possessions to higher ground after forest torrents from the Phetchabun mountain range inundated areas in Taphan Hin district. Some villagers built sand embankments to prevent flooding in their villages.

In Prachin Buri, some 300 households are without drinking water and many local residents are stressed after their communities were hit by flooding.

In Lop Buri, flooding has worsened due to continuous rainfall and inadequate run-off, with floodwaters as much as two metres deep, affecting more than 500 homes.

Electric power has been cut off in some areas and victims relocated to shelter in temples and temporary roadside holding areas.

In Phitsanulok, local authorities declared three districts as disaster areas and allocated an urgent budget to help flood victims.

In Wang Thong district, villagers faced food and drinking water shortage and paddy fields are under water. Local residents became sick, having flu and foot infections.

In Uttaradit, 13 people contracted leptospirosis, with one patient having died from the disease. Health officials warned villagers to avoid walking in flooded areas as the water can carry many contagious diseases.

In Lampang, floodwaters have declined and returned to normal. Some 250 homes need rehabilitation after floodwater swept mud, and debris into their homes. More than 50 motorcycles and ten cars were damaged by flood.

In Nong Bua Lum Pu, flooding continued for the third day in three districts, with many paddy fields under water. The local disaster prevention and mitigation office said the situation will return to normal if there is no more rain.

-- TNA 2008-09-16

[ratcatcher]

Flood warnings for 29 provinces, critical in many provinces

PHICHIT: -- Thailand's meteorologcal department has issued flood warnings for 29 provinces in the country's north, northeast and central regions, while food shortages, illness, and stress are affecting many victims in areas already hit by the seasonal floods.

Residents in the northern province of Phichit moved their possessions to higher ground after forest torrents from the Phetchabun mountain range inundated areas in Taphan Hin district. Some villagers built sand embankments to prevent flooding in their villages.

In Prachin Buri, some 300 households are without drinking water and many local residents are stressed after their communities were hit by flooding.

In Lop Buri, flooding has worsened due to continuous rainfall and inadequate run-off, with floodwaters as much as two metres deep, affecting more than 500 homes.

Electric power has been cut off in some areas and victims relocated to shelter in temples and temporary roadside holding areas.

In Phitsanulok, local authorities declared three districts as disaster areas and allocated an urgent budget to help flood victims.

In Wang Thong district, villagers faced food and drinking water shortage and paddy fields are under water. Local residents became sick, having flu and foot infections.

In Uttaradit, 13 people contracted leptospirosis, with one patient having died from the disease. Health officials warned villagers to avoid walking in flooded areas as the water can carry many contagious diseases.

In Lampang, floodwaters have declined and returned to normal. Some 250 homes need rehabilitation after floodwater swept mud, and debris into their homes. More than 50 motorcycles and ten cars were damaged by flood.

In Nong Bua Lum Pu, flooding continued for the third day in three districts, with many paddy fields under water. The local disaster prevention and mitigation office said the situation will return to normal if there is no more rain.

-- TNA 2008-09-16

Brilliant! That's about the same as saying if it stops raining it will be dry.

I do have a lot of sympathy for the folks upcountry whose lives are affected every year by torrential rains and subsequent flooding. This has been going on for hundreds of years but is worse now due to deforestation and government mismanagement.

Instead of buying tanks and expensive fighter planes that will never see combat, they would have been better off allocating a fraction of that budget to improving drainage and water storage systems.

I am sure all this bad news regarding flooding has troubled His Majesty as he is an expert on water management systems.

However those in the government should be held responsible for lack of action.

[Jai Dee]

Pijit declares 8 districts as disaster zones as flooding continues to worsen

Continued rains and forest water from Petchabun and Wang Thong mountains in Pitsanulok province have led to flooding in 8 districts of Pijit province. Flood waters have already claimed the lives of 1 person and have submerged 8000 Rai of rice fields. The ongoing situaton has begun to impact the health of the province's residents with many catching the flu and flood related diseases.

The Pijit Red Cross Society has distributed aid kits to assist residents while Pijit province Governor Dr. Preecha Ruangchan (ปรีชา เรืองจันทร์) has declared the 8 affected districts including Sak Lek (สากเหล็ก), Tapahn Hin (ตะพานหิน) and the Muang district as disaster zones. Local administrators in the areas are now able to use emergency funds to aid citizens.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Heavy rains and floodings in many provinces

The Meteorological Department reported at 4 AM today (September 17th) that a trough of active low pressure lies across the lower North, Central, Northeast and East.

Abundant rainfall is likely over upper Thailand with heavy to very heavy rain in many areas such as Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Roiet, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Buri Rum, Surin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. People living in lowlands and foothills should beware of flooding conditions during this period.

Bangkok metropolis and vicinity can expect fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rains. The daily temperature would range from 26 to 33 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds would be around 15 to 35 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 September 2008

[Scott]

Here's hoping for the best for all those folks in the affected areas.

[Spee]

Residents in the northern province of Phichit moved their possessions to higher ground after forest torrents from the Phetchabun mountain range inundated areas in Taphan Hin district. Some villagers built sand embankments to prevent flooding in their villages.

In my daily calls to my girl for the past several days, her first statement has been "Ooooeee Spee, fohn tohp mahk leree!" Fortunately our place is about 1-2 meters above everything else in the village area (west Phetch). The flooding isn't as bad as it was a couple of days ago, when the access roads to leading to Taphan Hin and Phichit were flooded. At least the roads are passable now and she says everything in the village is ok. Anyone know how long this deluge is supposed to last?

[Jai Dee]

Caretaker DPM Kowit inspects flood situation in Phichit

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Pol.Gen.Kowit Wattana (โกวิท วัฒนะ), travels by helicopter to inspect the flood situation in Phichit province.

The caretaker premier is accompanied by Phichit Governor Preecha Chanrerng (ปรีชา เรืองจันทร์). The flood water has remained stable and has spread through out eight districts of the province. People in the flood-affected areas have fallen ill and mosquitoes are reportedly prevalent in the areas.

Pol.Gen.Kowit have distributed supplies to more than 1,000 residents affected by the flood condition and instructed the province to accelerate pumping the flood water to Nan River. He says the situation may improve if there is no rain in the next few days but warns people living near Yom and Chao Phraya rivers to remain cautious of water released from the Northern region.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 September 2008

[plachon]

Flood warnings for 29 provinces, critical in many provinces

PHICHIT: -- Thailand's meteorologcal department has issued flood warnings for 29 provinces in the country's north, northeast and central regions, while food shortages, illness, and stress are affecting many victims in areas already hit by the seasonal floods.

Residents in the northern province of Phichit moved their possessions to higher ground after forest torrents from the Phetchabun mountain range inundated areas in Taphan Hin district. Some villagers built sand embankments to prevent flooding in their villages.

In Prachin Buri, some 300 households are without drinking water and many local residents are stressed after their communities were hit by flooding.

In Lop Buri, flooding has worsened due to continuous rainfall and inadequate run-off, with floodwaters as much as two metres deep, affecting more than 500 homes.

Electric power has been cut off in some areas and victims relocated to shelter in temples and temporary roadside holding areas.

In Phitsanulok, local authorities declared three districts as disaster areas and allocated an urgent budget to help flood victims.

In Wang Thong district, villagers faced food and drinking water shortage and paddy fields are under water. Local residents became sick, having flu and foot infections.

In Uttaradit, 13 people contracted leptospirosis, with one patient having died from the disease. Health officials warned villagers to avoid walking in flooded areas as the water can carry many contagious diseases.

In Lampang, floodwaters have declined and returned to normal. Some 250 homes need rehabilitation after floodwater swept mud, and debris into their homes. More than 50 motorcycles and ten cars were damaged by flood.

In Nong Bua Lum Pu, flooding continued for the third day in three districts, with many paddy fields under water. The local disaster prevention and mitigation office said the situation will return to normal if there is no more rain.

-- TNA 2008-09-16

Brilliant! That's about the same as saying if it stops raining it will be dry.

I do have a lot of sympathy for the folks upcountry whose lives are affected every year by torrential rains and subsequent flooding. This has been going on for hundreds of years but is worse now due to deforestation and government mismanagement.

Instead of buying tanks and expensive fighter planes that will never see combat, they would have been better off allocating a fraction of that budget to improving drainage and water storage systems.

I am sure all this bad news regarding flooding has troubled His Majesty as he is an expert on water management systems.

However those in the government should be held responsible for lack of action.

I'm afraid to inform you that successive governments over the past 30 years have been spending at least as much money on "improving drainage and water storage systems" (if not a whole lot more), than on buying the weapons you mention. Every province and agency related to water "management" (a lot!), esp in the North and NE, have been allocated vast sums of money to solve the twin "problems" of drought and flooding and put in place no end of infrastructure from large dams to small weirs which you can see throughout the countryside. Yet still, surprise-surprise, in the dry season we see shouts of "drought" and calls by politicians for more dams and in the rainy season "floods" and calls by politicians for more dams, despite all the tens of thousands of dams already built. Shouldn't we be asking more, why is all that infrastructure already in place not solving the so-called problems and has the country been pursuing water management in a joined-up, integrated manner, OR just been awarding contracts for the boys who get us the votes and sharing the considerable spoils of war that fall off the back of poorly built and located dams.

With water management, there are no quick and easy fixes, and it requires thorough understanding of the environment and socio-economy of any river basin, before any solution can be put in place. But don't think that vast sums of money have not already been spent on water management with exactly what to show for it? Samak's govt wanted to put into place Toxin's dream mega-project "The Water Grid" which would involve pumping water from Laos into Isaan or out of the Mekong and Salween into the North and making water flow uphill, but at what cost to the nation and environment? No doubt, this new Toxin proxy PM will be looking to do the same thing, to pay off the Friends of Newin and other mafiosi politicians who will be the real winners from such "water management" catastrophes.

[ratcatcher]

Flood warnings for 29 provinces, critical in many provinces

PHICHIT: -- Thailand's meteorologcal department has issued flood warnings for 29 provinces in the country's north, northeast and central regions, while food shortages, illness, and stress are affecting many victims in areas already hit by the seasonal floods.

Residents in the northern province of Phichit moved their possessions to higher ground after forest torrents from the Phetchabun mountain range inundated areas in Taphan Hin district. Some villagers built sand embankments to prevent flooding in their villages.

In Prachin Buri, some 300 households are without drinking water and many local residents are stressed after their communities were hit by flooding.

In Lop Buri, flooding has worsened due to continuous rainfall and inadequate run-off, with floodwaters as much as two metres deep, affecting more than 500 homes.

Electric power has been cut off in some areas and victims relocated to shelter in temples and temporary roadside holding areas.

In Phitsanulok, local authorities declared three districts as disaster areas and allocated an urgent budget to help flood victims.

In Wang Thong district, villagers faced food and drinking water shortage and paddy fields are under water. Local residents became sick, having flu and foot infections.

In Uttaradit, 13 people contracted leptospirosis, with one patient having died from the disease. Health officials warned villagers to avoid walking in flooded areas as the water can carry many contagious diseases.

In Lampang, floodwaters have declined and returned to normal. Some 250 homes need rehabilitation after floodwater swept mud, and debris into their homes. More than 50 motorcycles and ten cars were damaged by flood.

In Nong Bua Lum Pu, flooding continued for the third day in three districts, with many paddy fields under water. The local disaster prevention and mitigation office said the situation will return to normal if there is no more rain.

-- TNA 2008-09-16

Brilliant! That's about the same as saying if it stops raining it will be dry.

I do have a lot of sympathy for the folks upcountry whose lives are affected every year by torrential rains and subsequent flooding. This has been going on for hundreds of years but is worse now due to deforestation and government mismanagement.

Instead of buying tanks and expensive fighter planes that will never see combat, they would have been better off allocating a fraction of that budget to improving drainage and water storage systems.

I am sure all this bad news regarding flooding has troubled His Majesty as he is an expert on water management systems.

However those in the government should be held responsible for lack of action.

I'm afraid to inform you that successive governments over the past 30 years have been spending at least as much money on "improving drainage and water storage systems" (if not a whole lot more), than on buying the weapons you mention. Every province and agency related to water "management" (a lot!), esp in the North and NE, have been allocated vast sums of money to solve the twin "problems" of drought and flooding and put in place no end of infrastructure from large dams to small weirs which you can see throughout the countryside. Yet still, surprise-surprise, in the dry season we see shouts of "drought" and calls by politicians for more dams and in the rainy season "floods" and calls by politicians for more dams, despite all the tens of thousands of dams already built. Shouldn't we be asking more, why is all that infrastructure already in place not solving the so-called problems and has the country been pursuing water management in a joined-up, integrated manner, OR just been awarding contracts for the boys who get us the votes and sharing the considerable spoils of war that fall off the back of poorly built and located dams.

With water management, there are no quick and easy fixes, and it requires thorough understanding of the environment and socio-economy of any river basin, before any solution can be put in place. But don't think that vast sums of money have not already been spent on water management with exactly what to show for it? Samak's govt wanted to put into place Toxin's dream mega-project "The Water Grid" which would involve pumping water from Laos into Isaan or out of the Mekong and Salween into the North and making water flow uphill, but at what cost to the nation and environment? No doubt, this new Toxin proxy PM will be looking to do the same thing, to pay off the Friends of Newin and other mafiosi politicians who will be the real winners from such "water management" catastrophes.

Thanks for that very understandable explanation -plachon.

I was being a bit too cynical by assuming that not enough money had been spent on water projects but your comment, highlighted in red, is what I was after. "What to show for it?"

Edited September 17, 2008 by ratcatcher

[george]

Update:

Flooding hits rafters

PRACHIN BURI: -- Prachin Buri flooding has forced tourists to cancel rafting trips, costing tour companies Bt1 million.

Floods closed 17 Lop Buri schools for three days, too.

Ten rafttour companies said tourists cancelled trips to Nadi disฌtrict. As many as 300 rafters will miss out on more than Bt100,000 in income. Tour companies lose nearly Bt1 million, Damri Rattanachinakorn, deputy president of Tambon Taphan Hin Administrative Organisation, said.

Damri, who is vice president of the local rafters association, too, insisted tours were still safe.

Allday heavy rains yesterday flooded the Kabin Buri Industrial Estate and surrounding areas.

HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn sent medics to care for 200 Muang, Nakhon Ratchasima villagers. Relief packages, waterproof boots have been sent, too.

Caretaker deputy education Minister Boonlue Prasertsopha said 37 Lop Buri schools were flooded and 17 of those had been forced to close in Ban Mi, Khok Samrong and Tha Wung.

In Khon Kaen, days of heavy downpours have left many parts of Muang, Ban Phai, Nam Phong, Nong Rua and Khao Suan Kwang under more than a metre of water.

The Khon KaentoTha Phra Road was under 30 centimetres of water. Muang roads were flooded, causing traffic jams, while the School for the Blind remained under 1.5 metres of floodwater.

Soldiers build sandbag barriers and school pupils had to travel by boat.

Meanwhile, caretaker natural resources and environment Minister Anongwan Thepsuthin said Srinakarin Dam, Kanchanaburi; Khundan Dam, Nakhon Nayok and Pra Sae Dam, Rayong were at 80percent capacity.

The Royal Irrigation Department and Provincial Electricity Authority will release water in manageable volumes.

Nam Oon Dam, Sakhon Nakhon and Lam Phra Phloeng Dam, Nakhon Ratchasima are more than 80 per cent full.

-- The Nation 2008-09-18

[Scott]

And in a few months we will be hearing about the 'drought' in Thailand.

[george]

Update:

Northern, northeastern provinces warned of flash floods

BANGKOK: -- The Meteorological Department Thursday warned residents of several northern and northeastern provinces as well as some central and eastern provinces to brace themselves for heavy rains and possible flash floods.

In its morning forecast, the department said Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Lampang, Prae, Uttaradit, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Phichit, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buri Ram, Surin, Nakhon Sawan, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaew, Chanthaburi and Trat would be hit by heavy downpours.

It said flash floods could also occur in the provinces.

The department explained that the low pressure ridge over the northern and northeastern regions would unleash the rains.

It also forecast that 70 per cent of Bangkok areas would be hit by rains.

-- The Nation 2008-09-18

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister travels to assess flood damage in Central and Northeastern region

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Police General Kowit Wattana (โกวิท วัฒนะ) stated before traveling to meet with residents at Nakorn Ratchasima, Nakorn Nayok and Chachoengsao province that the flood situation will not aggravate as rain fall has begun to lessen. Forest water however, has caused agricultural areas as well as livestock pastures and residential areas to receive damage. Police General Kowit said that his visit would focus on the damaged areas and give assistance where needed.

All governors of the 3 provinces have been instrcuted to use emergency funding to remedy the situation. Over 1,000 aid kits have been prepared to be distributed today.

The Interior Minister expressed concern over flood hit areas in Lopburi and Saraburi province as there is still a high level of water trapped in the regions. He has collaborated with both public and private agencies to make efforts to drain the inundation and inspect structural integrity of flood hit buildings. He expressed confidence that equipment and preparations will be sufficient to deal with the crisis.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Heavy flooding cripples travel between Khon Kaen and Bangkok

Deputy Director of the 4th Highway Command Police Liteutenant General Naret Kaminkrua (นเรศ ขมิ้นเครือ) revealed that the Mitraphap (มิตรภาพ) road heading inbound to Bangkok from Khon Kaen province has been cut off at 10 points due to constant rising water levels.

Police have been forced to close off the lanes of hte road both coming and going, especially on the 29th kilometer marker located in the Muang district of Khon Kaen, markets 407-408, 431-432 and 445-446 have received similar fates.

A road circumventing the province used to travel to Kalasin province has also experienced a water level exceeding 1 meter, causing all travel to come to a halt. Traffic has begun to build up beyond 10 kilometers leading to the road. Three points along the She River bridge have also been severed.

Travelers to Khon Kaen are advised to use the Nakorn Ratchasima, Chaiyapum and Khon Kaen roads while inbound travelers are advised to divert to the Mahasarakram and Nakorn Ratchasima roads.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Distribution of water supply in flooded areas resumes

The Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) reports that the flood situation in Ban Mee (บ้านหมี่) district in Lop Buri province has damaged water pipelines in Pak Chong (ปากช่อง) district in Nakhon Ratchasima province but water supply is still being distributed to people.

PWA Governor Chawalit Saran (ชวลิต สารันต์) says heavy fain and flood conditions in many areas across the country have affected services of PWA in Ban Mee district in Lop Buri province. The flood current has damaged the main water pipelines in the district, prompting the local waterworks office to temporary stop the distribution of water supply in Tambon Dong Phlab (ตำบลดงพลับ) in Ban Mee district.

To assist residents of Tambon Dong Phlab, the Provincial Waterworks Region 2 (Lop Buri) and the Tambon Chon Muang (ชอนม่วง) Local Administrative Organization have sent water trucks to distribute water supply to people affected by inundation.

Meanwhile, water from the Lam Takhlong (ลำตะคอง) canal has flooded a low-pressure water pumping station in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima province. However, the flood situation has returned to normal and waterworks offices in the area have distributed water supply to people as usual.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Governor of Lopburi confident flood situation will be alleviated in 2 weeks

Governor of Lopburi province Jarupong Poldet (จารุพงศ์ พลเดช) stated that flood situations remain in 3 districts of the province with some tambon's in the districts still experiencing heightening water levels. Several tambon have water levels measured at 30 centimeters to 1 meter but many have already begun to see a reduction in inundation.

Water has been left trapped in 52,000 Rai at a volume of over 60 million square meters, but is being drained at a rate of 30 million square meters per day by the Royal Irrigation Department. The RID projects that all water will be relieved into resorvoirs within 2 weeks if rains do not persist.

The province governor assured concerned citizens that authorities would care for them with volunteers already distributing over 32,000 aid kits. He reminded residents to beware of their health for the time being.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

SRT suspends train lines in Northeast due to flooding

Director of Public Relations and Tourist Services for the State Railway Authority of Thailand Pairach Rojcharoen-ngam (ไพรัช โรจน์เจริญงาม) revealed that flooding in the Northeastern region between Baan Pai and Ta Phra (บ้านไผ่-ท่าพระ) has damaged rail lines. The SRT has thus had to suspend the operation of several train lines, including long distance diesel engines, for the safety of citizens. The lines to be temporarily put on hold are Bangkok-Udornthani, Bangkok-Nong Kai and several other express trains. All lines will be suspended until further notice.

Local trains in the affected areas have had to be diverted to avoid danger. Citizens wishing to gain more information on the situation may call 1690.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 September 2008

[nitehawk56]

Heavy rains and floodings in many provinces

The Meteorological Department reported at 4 AM today (September 17th) that a trough of active low pressure lies across the lower North, Central, Northeast and East.

Abundant rainfall is likely over upper Thailand with heavy to very heavy rain in many areas such as Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Roiet, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Si Sa Ket, Buri Rum, Surin, Nakhon Ratchasima, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Sa Kaeo, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat provinces. People living in lowlands and foothills should beware of flooding conditions during this period.

Bangkok metropolis and vicinity can expect fairly widespread thundershowers and isolated heavy rains. The daily temperature would range from 26 to 33 degrees Celsius. The speed of southwesterly winds would be around 15 to 35 kilometers per hour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 September 2008

How far down south in SiSaKet are the floods taking palce? My family lives in Phu Sing, have not been able to reach them in the last 2-3 days due to the heavy rains. I will be going home this Friday via Ubon Ratchathani, Rd 336 and Rd 220

[Jai Dee]

Flash floods impact prices of agricultural products

Prices of agricultural products have skyrocketed due to current heavy rains and flash floods. During the Vegetarian festival starting September 28th onward, the supply of agriculture produce is expected to decrease while demand will increase accordingly, thus the prices will go up in respond to these market incentives.

Such inflation has impacted consumers nationwide, particularly Songkla residents. In the meantime, farmers in Trang province have quickly cultivated their crops in order to meet the increasing demand.

Prices of vegetables have increased by 12-15 Baht per kilogram, which is likely to produce an income of 20,000 baht for each farmer in September and October.

The flash floods have also impacted prices of other agricultural products such as eggs, which have increased by 8 Baht per paeng.

In Chantaburi province, price of eggs has been adjusted twice, while price of vegetables has doubled over the last 10 days.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Residents of 6 northeastern provinces warned of flash floods

The Meteorological Department Monday warned residents of six northeastern provinces to brace themselves for heavy rains and possible flash floods.

The department said Phechabun, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasimak Mahasarakham and Kalasin could be hit by flash floods again.

It said the rains there would be unleashed by a low pressure ridge over the North and Northeast coupled with influence of the southwest monsoon.

Source: The Nation - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Metereological Department warns of flash floods and high winds in several areas

The Metereological Department has issued its daily weather report for today September 22nd, indicating that a low pressure front is moving through the Northern and upper Northeastern Region along with seasonal rains in the South West over the Gulf of Thailand and far South. The condition will cause rain throughout the entire nation with heavy down pours in some areas. The department asks that citizens in at-risk areas such as Petchabun, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Nakorn Ratchasima, Mahasarakam and Kalasin to beware of dangers such as flash floods and repeats of inundation for the time being.

The department has also reported that winds in the Gulf of Thailand will pick up strength and thus boats should beware of sea-travel from today until the 24th of September.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Floating toilettes distributed to flood victims in Lop Buri

40 floating toilettes are distributed to people affected by flooding in Lop Buri province. The toilettes were made by the seven provincial vocational education offices.

Director of the Lop Buri Technical College Chitrasen Chutima (จิตรเสน จุติมา) says the seven provincial vocational education offices was initiated a project to assist the flood-affected people who do not have a toilette to use during flooding. Vocational education officials, teachers, and students have worked together to design and make floating toilettes for the flood victims. They have also repaired electrical appliances, agricultural machines, water pumps, and residences for the people.

The cost of production of a knock-down floating toilette is 4,000 baht. The toilettes are one meter wide and two meters tall.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 22 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Samut Prakan province rallies officials to prepare for flood

Governor of Samutprakan province Anuwat Metheewibulwut (ยอนุวัฒน์ เมธีวิบูลวุฒิ) recently stated that his province has held a meeting of relevant agencies to prepare for flooding. The meeting was prompted by flooding in several northern provinces with waters expected to flow towards the sea with Samutprakan in the path. The province is concerned of inundation in many of its districts, especially those on along the Chao Phraya River and along the shoreline.

The province has ordered all related agencies to prepare their personnel and machinery to expedite drainage operations, repair river beds and clear obstacles from the moving flow so that flood waters may quickly make their way to the sea.

Authorities are focusing in on the Samrong (สำโรง) canal as it is the main waterway leading through the province to the sea. Officials have ordered 24 surveillance of the situation for rapid response.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

MWA assures flood situation will not affect production of tap water

Deputy Governor of the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority Wirachat Olapiriyakul (วีรชาติ โอฬาพิริยกุล) revealed yesterday that the nation is currently experiencing flood complications in many provinces, especially in the north where rain waters have eroded soil into the Chao Phraya River. Waters in the Chao Phraya River are now at 200-300 N.T.U turbidity, meaning 3 times less light can penetrate the water than the usual 80-100 N.T.U.

The MWA is following the situation closely and has dispatched scientists to study water sources and report their findings in real time. Relevant agencies have been tapped to assist in the situation, including the Royal Irrigation Department and the Provincial Waterworks Authority. The agencies have been tasked with monitoring the Chao Phraya River 24 hours a day.

Water generating facilities have recaliberated their purification techniques to adequately compensate for the change in river turbidity. The MWA has also prepared measures in the event the situation escalates including measures to deal with water in resorvoirs.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Floods kill 14 and hit farmland in Thailand

Nearly two weeks of heavy monsoon rains have killed 14 people in Thailand, inundated 550,000 acres (222,600 hectares) of farmland and affected hundreds of thousands of households, officials said on Tuesday. Water-borne diseases were spreading rapidly in Thailand's northern, north-eastern and central regions, where some villages were battling 2 metre high water levels.

The Interior Ministry said the flooding had affected some 800,000 people in 30 of 76 provinces in the country of 63 million people. Most of the flooded farmland was rice paddy, accounting for about 2 percent of the total paddy for the 2008/09 growing season, according to a Reuters calculation based on Agriculture Ministry data.

"The flood has damaged nearly 2,000 acres of our paddy fields and we still have no idea how the government will help us," Bao Thongdee, head of a village in the rice-growing central province of Lopburi, 150 km (90 miles) north of Bangkok, told Reuters.

In Lopburi, sandbags were piled up along the sides of rivers and canals and outside hold the water back. Boats were the main form of transport in many areas as roads were cut off. Soldiers were sent to evacuate people to higher ground, especially in areas most at danger from flash floods. Emergency crews were delivering relief supplies, including food, water and medicine, to affected areas.

Thailand's Meteorological Department warned that more flash floods and heavy downpours could be expected.

Source: Reuters - 23 September 2008

[geriatrickid]

My comments are in bold blue

This has been going on for hundreds of years but is worse now due to deforestation and government mismanagement. Agreed

Instead of buying tanks and expensive fighter planes that will never see combat, they would have been better off allocating a fraction of that budget to improving drainage and water storage systems. It's not so much drainage and storage as in watershed management and your first point, deforestation and removal of natural watersheds.The US gulf cost is the prime example of what happens when you remove natural barriers and protection.

I am sure all this bad news regarding flooding has troubled His Majesty as he is an expert on water management systems. Actually, he's more of a proponent of balanced ecosystems. His forest protection efforts go back decades and are one component of the position. Bit of trivia, putting aside that he is a King, ideas such as his were ignored 30 years ago, when cutting down and paving over was all the rage around the world. Today, his ideas are shared by most major reputable conservationists, including western governments. Sometimes people are ahead of their time and they don't get credit for that.

However those in the government should be held responsible for lack of action. Which governments? What we are seeing today is the product of decades of bad decisions.

With water management, there are no quick and easy fixes, and it requires thorough understanding of the environment and socio-economy of any river basin, before any solution can be put in place. But don't think that vast sums of money have not already been spent on water management with exactly what to show for it? Samak's govt wanted to put into place Toxin's dream mega-project "The Water Grid" which would involve pumping water from Laos into Isaan or out of the Mekong and Salween into the North and making water flow uphill, but at what cost to the nation and environment? No doubt, this new Toxin proxy PM will be looking to do the same thing, to pay off the Friends of Newin and other mafiosi politicians who will be the real winners from such "water management" catastrophes. I can't argue you with on the basics because it's a valid criticism, but it's incomplete. Thailand is at the end of a few big rivers that have been dammed and disrupted by other countries. A great deal of the problem arises from foreign water management decisions. One can build all the ditches one wants, but if the Chinese want to <deleted> up natural water systems, this is the result.

Thanks for that very understandable explanation -plachon.

I was being a bit too cynical by assuming that not enough money had been spent on water projects but your comment, highlighted in red, is what I was after. "What to show for it?"

See my comment above. Thailand can't be blamed for some of this. In many cases, it's a victim of other countries' decisions.

[Jai Dee]

Water level in Chao Praya river is being closely monitored

Agricultural and Cooperatives minister Mr. Somsak Prisanananthakul (สมศักดิ์ ปริศนานันทกุล) reveals that the current flood situation in Ayuthaya province has remained under control.

He adds that the water level circulated from Chao Praya, Pasak (ป่าสัก) and Lop Buri (ลพบุรี) rivers has reached Chao Praya river within Ayuthaya province at the rate of 1,700 cubic meters per second, the amount of which has remained under the river’s capacity.

Mr. Somsak thus affirms that as long as the situation has remained stable combined with complete absence of cyclones furthering into Ayuthaya province, the city council will surely be able to maintain the current water level and prevent flooding to occur in both Ayuthaya and Bangkok.

Mr. Somsak has ordered the Irrigation Department to closely monitor the water level in Chao Praya and Pasak rivers, especially in the high tide season during September 26-29 period. In case of sudden rise in water levels, he urges the department to immediately drain out excess water from both rivers.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2008

[Jai Dee]

Northeastern villagers turn raining into money

Turning crisis into opportunity, villagers living in a northeastern village of Nong Pua Lum Phu province have earned more income from continuous rains via collecting and selling various types of mushrooms.

Villagers from Din Sai On (literally means soft sand and soil) village in Hua Na sub-district, Muang district, have earned about 1,000 baht per household a day or about 20,000 baht for the whole village as they have collected various types of mushrooms which have grown up from recently continuous heavy rain.

Normally, during rainy season, villagers of this northearn village collect three kinds of jungle mushrooms which are La Ngok, Ta Kai and Phung. The villagers of the Din Sai On village go out to collect the mushrooms at Pu Pan mountain and sell them in the village market.

The selling price is ranged from 130 to 200 baht per kilogram or 10-20 baht per small plate. Each family can earn upto 1,000 baht a day. All together the Din Sai On villagers can make 20,000 baht from the selling per day.

Mr. Bunreun MaLa, head of Din Sai On village, said that at the moment, jungle mushrooms had significantly grown up and that could help the villagers earn more income from selling the mushrooms. However, the amount of mushrooms depended on weather conditions.

He attributed the prolific mushrooms to good condition jungles, thanks to all who have been keeping an eye on the wildfire and trying their best to prevent it.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 September 2008

[trishaltbr]

Floods kill 14 and hit farmland in Thailand

Nearly two weeks of heavy monsoon rains have killed 14 people in Thailand, inundated 550,000 acres (222,600 hectares) of farmland and affected hundreds of thousands of households, officials said on Tuesday. Water-borne diseases were spreading rapidly in Thailand's northern, north-eastern and central regions, where some villages were battling 2 metre high water levels.

The Interior Ministry said the flooding had affected some 800,000 people in 30 of 76 provinces in the country of 63 million people. Most of the flooded farmland was rice paddy, accounting for about 2 percent of the total paddy for the 2008/09 growing season, according to a Reuters calculation based on Agriculture Ministry data.

"The flood has damaged nearly 2,000 acres of our paddy fields and we still have no idea how the government will help us," Bao Thongdee, head of a village in the rice-growing central province of Lopburi, 150 km (90 miles) north of Bangkok, told Reuters.

In Lopburi, sandbags were piled up along the sides of rivers and canals and outside hold the water back. Boats were the main form of transport in many areas as roads were cut off. Soldiers were sent to evacuate people to higher ground, especially in areas most at danger from flash floods. Emergency crews were delivering relief supplies, including food, water and medicine, to affected areas.

Thailand's Meteorological Department warned that more flash floods and heavy downpours could be expected.

Source: Reuters - 23 September 2008

Hoping for the safety for all those provinces in the affected areas...