Thai Province Chaiyaphum Still Faces Severe Floods; Flash Flood At Kamphaeng Phet

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Chaiyaphum still faces severe floods; Flash flood at Kamphaeng Phet

BANGKOK, Oct 21 -- The northeastern province of Chaiyaphum is still facing severe flooding as the water level in its afflicted areas is not receding, forcing flood victims to stay at home facing a shortage of food, medicine and drinking water.

Flooding in Chaiyaphum has stabilised at a certain depth with strong currents barring residents going outside their homes for food, water and medicine.

Monks at more than 10 temples in the flood affected areas face shortages of food, but some have moved about through the strong flow of water to buy food to cook themselves.

In Uthai Thani, authorities have warned local residents to be vigilant in observing the situation as flooding could reoccur because the water level in Thap Salao Dam in the province has reached maximum capacity while large amounts of runoff from Huay Kha Kaeng forest is still flowing into the dam.

Surplus water has overflowed the dam's spillway adding to waters already enveloping the provincial seat, and other districts that have already been hit by flood.

At Kamphaeng Phet, torrents racing from the hills has flooded Khanu Woralaksaburi and Khlong Lan districts with water two metres deep. Many families have evacuated their homes and are camping in makeshift tents at roadsides on higher ground

Provincial officials have warned the residents along the Ping River and other lower ground to be prepared to evacuate to higher ground.

The flood has also forced the suspension of railway services.

State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Governor Yutthana Thapcharoen told reporters that all northern routes have been suspended because tracks at Lop Buri were under more than 2.5 metres of water.

SRT services from Bangkok to the northeastern province of Nong Khai was temporarily stopped because of the flood.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva left Bangkok for the central province of Lop Buri Thursday morning to inspect flood hit areas and give moral support to officials and flood victims.

A Meteorological Department advisory said that a cold air mass from China over Thailand's northeastern, northern and upper central regions means less rain and weather cooler by 2-4 degrees Celsius, while a monsoon trough across lower central, upper southern and eastern Thailand is bringing slight to moderate rain.

Typhoon “Megi”, currently over the middle South China Sea, is moving north to southern China and Hong Kong and has has no affect on Thailand’s weather.

The flooded areas may experience slight rain having no effect on the flooding stage this period. The areas include Phetchabun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya and provinces nearby. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-10-21

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Flood Wreaks Havoc in Thailand's North

Most northern provinces are still inundated as flooding remains critical across the nation.

Wangthong district in Phitsanulok province has been greatly affected by a landslide from a hill near Wang Nok Ann school.

Water in Kek canal has also inundated homes and farmlands in the area.

Local authorities have been working around the clock to assist residents in the province.

Phetchabun governor Kong-ekwilat Rujiwattanapong, along with officials, inspected flooded areas closely.

He said that some areas have been declared disaster zones after the flood water level rose to more than one meter.

The army has sent out civil units to to assist in Nongphai district, where they distributed relief packages to flood victims.

In Chiang Mai province, a center for flood victims has been set up in front of the provincial hall with a subsidy of 100,000 baht provided by the provincial governor and the chief executive of the provincial administrative organization.

Authorities said survival packs will be distributed out in a few day's time.

In Ubonratchathani province, Red Cross members and staff of the Office of Disaster Mitigation and Prevention allocated disaster relief units and drugs to residents in nine villages.

People in this area have moved to higher ground after Moon river flooded its bank and villages nearby.

News reports said that the water level at Seri Prachatippatai bridge was at seven meters and five centimeters, a shocking 17 centimeter jump.

-- Tan Network 2010-10-21

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Maharat Hospital staff stressed by flood crisis

By Pongphon Sarnsamak

The Nation

Nakhon Ratchasima

Medical workers and patients at Maharat Hospital in Nakhon Ratchasima, which has been hit hard by floods in recent days, are under stress due to the crisis" the toughest they have faced in decades.

Maharat Hospital has been surrounded by water since Sunday. The level was over one metre originally but is now down to about 80 centimetres.

Most roads and the first floor of all buildings at the hospital compound have been submerged by water" the kitchen, the laundry, dormitory and inpatient buildings.

To get in and out, doctors, nurses, medical workers and patients must travel by GMC Army trucks and boats, which are also used to deliver food, drinking water and relief assistance to help staff working and staying at the hospital.

Dr Saharat Chartprom, who has worked at Maharat for more than 10 years, said the flood was the fourth " and worst" to hit the hospital in that time.

"The level of water rose up very fast. We had only a short time to prepare ourselves and move patients and medical devices to safe places," he said while travelling in a truck back to his home, which was also affected by the flooding.

The flood has caused major damage to hospitals and health facilities in the province. The damage bill at Maharat hospital alone was put at Bt252 million, the provincial public health office said yesterday.

Dr Saharat and medical workers have worked around the clock since the flood hit on Sunday. Some have had to stay at the hospital since Sunday and have been unable to get back to their homes, which were also underwater.

“We have had many problems dealing with the flood and providing medical service to patients," he said. Clean water and electricity had been cut, so they had had to use reserve sources of power.

Moreover, they had problems getting oxygen, used to treat patients in critical condition, on Tuesday, as a truck carrying oxygen tanks could not get into the hospital.

As a result, the hospital had to refer 21 patients in critical condition to Khon Kaen and Suranaree Military hospitals for urgent treatment. But a truck carrying oxygen tanks has since been able to get through with enough oxygen to serve 113 patients in critical condition for 10 days.

“I felt relief when I was informed that the truck with liquid oxygen was able to get through to the hospital safely. That meant we did not have to transfer patients in critical condition to other hospitals, which would have been risky for them during travelling," Dr Saharat said.

Dr Nattakul Yamprasert, an orthopedic surgeon at Maharat, sent pictures of hospital after the flood hit on Sunday via his twitter account @capitellum. He said the water level had risen very fast on Sunday, by about 10cm an hour, and rose to 60 centimetres by midnight on that first day.

"We had been told to prepare ourselves to handle with the flood situation but we did not expect that the level of water would increase so fast," he said.

Nattakul and his family had to stay at the hospital dormitory but since the flood hit they had to rent a hotel and apartment outside.

He expected the water level would go down over the next two weeks and the situation would return to normal soon. But some medical workers and nurses were under stress over the past few days, he said after learning that the water level was rising and they could not get home.

A 34-year-old woman named Anadda Oungchantreuk said she was admitted last Saturday, when she had a baby late in the afternoon.

She was concerned while staying at the hospital because the power was cut, and her baby needed to stay for a while due to a health problem.

"I am very sad that my baby has to stay at hospital for a few days" I want to stay with him but the doctor told me to go back home," she said.

-- The Nation 2010-10-21

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BMA in race against convergence of flood risk factors

By The Nation

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is preparing to fend off the threat of flooding in the wake of three upcoming risk factors.

The risks come in the form of runoff water from the upper part of the country, heavy downpours over the capital, and the hightide period.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Pornthep Techapaiboon yesterday said runoff would likely reach Bangkok at the time the seawater level peaks, on October 2627, added to which the rainy season had not yet ended.

"But we believe we should be able to deal with the situation," he said.

A senior official said that as many as 27 communities in Bangkok were floodprone. "But the authorities have preventative measures in place," he said.

Pornthep said more than 200,000 sandbags had already been formed into temporary embankments in the capital along the Chao Phya River, in addition to the permanent embankment.

Both types of embankment are 2.5 metres above sea level.

Sanya Cheenimit, who heads the BMA's Drainage and Sewerage Department, said all 214 water gates in the capital were now closed to prevent water from the Chao Phya from flowing into canals.

"All 157 pump stations in Bangkok are also ready to help pump flood water out," he added.

Floods have been ravaging through 17 provinces. According to the Disaster Mitigation and Prevention Department, at least 11 floodrelated deaths were reported between October 10 and October 19.

Metresdeep flood water is now threatening to overwhelm Chaiyaphum, where the heart of the town is already impassable to all types of landtransport vehicles.

Signs have gone up in the province telling motorists to avoid the Muang Chaiyaphum municipality area and to opt for a bypass instead.

The area is totally flooded, upsetting the lives of more than 20,000 families.

Chaiyaphum Governor Jarin Jakkapak said the torrent of flood water was fierce in many areas, making it impossible for rowboats to reach flood victims.

"There aren't enough boats," he said, "We have been contacting the authorities for help."

Chaiyaphum Hospital, which has more than 550 inpatients, was busy yesterday moving equipment and patients from the first floor to the second floor, as flood water had started to break through despite a temporary embankment.

The flood situation in Nakhon Ratchasima remained critical.

Meanwhile, in Nakhon Sawan, about 1,000 families in Tha Tako district remained marooned by chestdeep flood water and had to wait for food provided by the authorities.

Four other districts of Nakhon Sawan were also seriously inundated.

As the flood situation worsened in his province, Lampang Governor Atikhom Supanpong yesterday declared Tambon Mae Phrik a disaster zone.

In Khon Kaen, floods marooned hundreds of houses in Phu Pha Man district. Rescue workers were trying hard to reach all those affected as of press time.

In Uthai Thani, the flood level continued to rise rapidly, almost reaching the second floor of many houses.

Flooding has now spread to provinces close to Bangkok.

In Ayutthaya, many areas in Tha Ruea district were under 80centimetredeep water yesterday. Ayutthaya is about a 90minute drive from Bangkok.

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Speed of water flow at Chao Phya Dam

Current speed: 2,333 cubic metres per second

Affected province: Ayutthaya

If the speed is: 2,500 cubic metres per second

Provinces to be affected: Sing Buri, Angthong, Chai Nat

If the speed is: Over 3,500 cubic metres per second

Provinces to be affected: Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Bangkok

Source: Royal Irrigation Department

-- The Nation 2010-10-21

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Bangkok on alert as Thailand’s flooding claims 15 lives

BANGKOK, Oct 21 – Thailand's disaster response service reports that 15 persons have died from flooding affecting the country in the past 10 days, but the capital has not yet been affected.

According to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, 15 deaths occurred from Oct 10 through Oct 20, but Bangkok has not been affected by the northern run-off.

The Thai capital is prepared for possible flooding during the upcoming high tide.

The deaths were reported in eight provinces, with highest number of casualties being four each reported in Lopburi and Buriram provinces followed by three in Nakhon Ratchasima. One person missing in Nakhon Ratchasima.

As flooding has hit 21 provinces in the upper part of the country so far, Bangkok is bracing for northern run-off estimated to sweep down the Chao Phraya River at speeds as high as 3,600 cubic metres per second. Local residents are warned to be on alert particularly during the October 24-26 high tide.

Department of Drainage & Sewerage director Sanya Cheenimitr reported that the water level in the Chao Phraya River at the Pakklongtalad flower market Wednesday evening was 1.55 metres above the sea level and the northern run-off was recorded at around 3,300 cubic metres per second. The water level and the amount of the northern run-off was at the level projected by the department No communities along the river have been affected by flooding so far.

However, residents along the river are warned of increasing water level swept down from the North which is estimated to be as high as 3,600 cubic metre per second.

He said the amount of water at this level can be handled but the situation must be closely monitored during the highest tide from Oct 24-26. With the high tide, the water level excluding the northern run-off is likely to increase from one metre to 1.7 metres.

To brace for possible flooding, triggered by northern run-off, rainfalls and high tide, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has closed all 157 sluices to prevent the water from the Chao Phraya River flowing into canals, and all 157 water pumping stations are prepared to pump water from areas along the Chao Phraya River.

Flood prevention dikes, which are 2.5 metres high and 77 kilometres, and sand embankment were built in preparation to brace for high water level. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2010-10-21

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PM Considers City Re-planning to Combat Recurring Floods

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he's now considering projects aimed at replanning Bangkok and other flood-prone cities to prevent future flooding. He admitted there are concerns Bangkok and nearby provinces will soon fall victim to the latest flood crisis.

-- Tan Network 2010-10-21

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Thai floods affect nearly a million as death toll hits 17

BANGKOK, October 21, 2010 (AFP) - The death toll from floods in Thailand reached 17 on Thursday as rising waters hit the homes and livelihoods of nearly one million people and threatened to swamp parts of the capital.

Victims were swept to their deaths as heavy rains swelled rivers and reservoirs, sending water gushing through the streets and immersing huge swathes of farmland.

More than a quarter of the country has been inundated, flooding thousands of homes and leaving authorities struggling to reach people stranded in remote areas.

Thailand's Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department said waterlogged homes, businesses and farmland meant at least 814,406 people, or 284,389 households, had been directly affected.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2010-10-21

[JetsetBkk]

PM Considers City Re-planning to Combat Recurring Floods

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he's now considering projects aimed at replanning Bangkok and other flood-prone cities to prevent future flooding. He admitted there are concerns Bangkok and nearby provinces will soon fall victim to the latest flood crisis.

Better late than never.

[elcent]

PM Considers City Re-planning to Combat Recurring Floods

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he's now considering projects aimed at replanning Bangkok and other flood-prone cities to prevent future flooding. He admitted there are concerns Bangkok and nearby provinces will soon fall victim to the latest flood crisis.

Better late than never.

City re-planning is under discussion for decades now with no results yet. Just hot air and nothing else. It's known for quite some time that Bangkok will be under water very soon.

So guys and gals, go and buy more condos invest - invest - invest just a little bit longer ...

[hardy1943]

PM Considers City Re-planning to Combat Recurring Floods

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he's now considering projects aimed at replanning Bangkok and other flood-prone cities to prevent future flooding. He admitted there are concerns Bangkok and nearby provinces will soon fall victim to the latest flood crisis.

Better late than never.

Well, lets see what the military has to say about this. They are the real force in this country and controlling the purse strings. Abhisit a nice guy and all but he is dancing to the tune of the military.

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Nation's bird's eye view photo of Chaiyaphum http://yfrog.com/na578fj for more u can visit this link http://bit.ly/bJE5Sa /via @tulsathit

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Floodwater last nite reached Pimai stone castle in Korat's Pimai district, and water level may rise tonite, officials said. /via @tulsathit

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Photo album of provinces affected by #thaiflood by @nationphoto # fb http://on.fb.me/c50ToH /via @veen_nt

[george]

Pathum Thani is being declared a flood disaster zone. (entire province) /via @tulsathit

[scania]

Does somebody know if the buses are still going to like Udon Thani and Nong Khai??? Or are they not driving cause of the flood´s???

[Just1Voice]

While this might be something of an "inconvenience" for those who have to make visa runs, the real victims here are the Thai whose homes have been lost or destroyed, and who have lost family members from this disaster. Homes can be rebuilt and replaced, human lives can't.

Condolences to all those who have been adversely affected by this.

[FarangGirlinKorat]

Does somebody know if the buses are still going to like Udon Thani and Nong Khai??? Or are they not driving cause of the flood´s???

i'm not sure but i would like to know as well. my husband needs to travel from korat to udon and nong khai on monday. any info would be greatly appreciated.

[techboy]

PM Considers City Re-planning to Combat Recurring Floods

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he's now considering projects aimed at replanning Bangkok and other flood-prone cities to prevent future flooding. He admitted there are concerns Bangkok and nearby provinces will soon fall victim to the latest flood crisis.

Better late than never.

City re-planning is under discussion for decades now with no results yet. Just hot air and nothing else. It's known for quite some time that Bangkok will be under water very soon.

So guys and gals, go and buy more condos invest - invest - invest just a little bit longer ...

"It's known for quite some time that Bangkok will be under water very soon." Have your crystal ball out do you? Nothing is well known except that it is a possibility. I do no know about under water but when I consider your post I feel knee deep in something else that aint water!

[midas]

PM Considers City Re-planning to Combat Recurring Floods

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva says he's now considering projects aimed at replanning Bangkok and other flood-prone cities to prevent future flooding. He admitted there are concerns Bangkok and nearby provinces will soon fall victim to the latest flood crisis.

Better late than never.

City re-planning is under discussion for decades now with no results yet. Just hot air and nothing else. It's known for quite some time that Bangkok will be under water very soon.

So guys and gals, go and buy more condos invest - invest - invest just a little bit longer ...

"It's known for quite some time that Bangkok will be under water very soon." Have your crystal ball out do you? Nothing is well known except that it is a possibility. I do no know about under water but when I consider your post I feel knee deep in something else that aint water!

techboy i wonder if you saw this about what Dr Ajong Chumsai na Ayudhya, a Thai scientist who has worked with the US space agency Nasa in the past has said ?

[robert00]

Does somebody know if the buses are still going to like Udon Thani and Nong Khai??? Or are they not driving cause of the flood´s???

i'm not sure but i would like to know as well. my husband needs to travel from korat to udon and nong khai on monday. any info would be greatly appreciated.

There is a bus service now direct from Korat to Vientiane,I dont know were it lives from, I asume from the Bus station 2

[robert00]

Does somebody know if the buses are still going to like Udon Thani and Nong Khai??? Or are they not driving cause of the flood´s???

i'm not sure but i would like to know as well. my husband needs to travel from korat to udon and nong khai on monday. any info would be greatly appreciated.

Check it out, there is now a direct bus from Korat to Vientiane, I guess it lives from the main bus station.

[george]

Chiang Mai Railway Station now reports that trains will resume this evening but will stop at Lopburi where a bus will take passengers to BKK

Source: Chiang Mai Mail