Flash floods are continuing to devastate Kanchanaburi, with three districts suffering their worst flooding in a decade.
More than 7,000 households in Lao Khwan, Huay Krachao and Bo Phloi districts have been lashed by days of heavy rain and run-off from the Chong Krueng and Chong Kruad mountain ranges. Over 50,000 rai of farmland and more than 300 local roads have been damaged.
Many areas in the three districts remained inundated yesterday with floodwaters rising to 120cm.
Kanchanaburi governor Roengsak Mahavinitchaimontri yesterday inspected flood-hit areas in Huay Krachao and handed out 1,000 relief kits to residents.
Bangkok has been placed on maximum alert as the city expects to face a very high tide today.
City Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday said flood prevention measures had been put in place to protect the inner city during the high tide.
The city administration has spent over 300 million baht to build embankments along the Chao Phraya River to prevent flooding in Samphanthawong, Bangkok Noi and Tha Prachan areas. About 70km of embankments have been built.
The tide is expected to peak at 1.80m at 8am today.
City clerk Pongsak Semsant yesterday told people living along Klong Bangkok Noi to brace themselves for flooding.
An embankment could not be built in the area as 35 of the 250 households were encroaching on the canal, Mr Pongsak said. Authorities are negotiating with owners to remove the houses to pave the way for the building of a 1km-long embankment from Arun Amarin bridge to Bangkok Noi bridge.
Flooding that hit Nakhon Ratchasima,Chaiyaphum, Buri Ram and Surin last week caused about 132 million baht in damage to farm land and public utilities in the four northeastern provinces.
Wallop Theppakdi, head of the office for disaster prevention and mitigation in Region 5, said more than 122,000 rai of farmland in Chaiyaphum were badly damaged by last week's flooding.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Saturday, October 17, 2009
A wet week for the Governor
It was good to see Bangkok's Governor wading through floods and getting his boots wet this week as he coordinated the efforts of city planners and irrigation engineers in draining off excess water from the inundated eastern suburbs. Equally welcome was MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra's apology and acceptance of responsibility because the floods had got out of control, causing inconvenience and traffic jams for much of the week.
Backing this was the promise of a better drainage system for the worst affected area. Bangkok's citizens are used to promises but not to polite apologies and requests for forgiveness, so this pledge has the authority of a policy commitment that we should be able to trust.Countless millions of baht have been spent by taxpayers in recent decades on flood prevention safeguards including dykes, heavy-duty pumps, dredging, floodgates,sandbags and other drainage projects in an effort to make such appearances by the Governor unnecessary.
But sometimes just too much water gets dumped on the city in too short a time and there is nowhere for it to go. Drainage Technology Department directorNarong Airasubkunakorn claimed that this week's rains had been the heaviest in 25 years but this seemed to overlook the havoc wrought by what were then termed "the heaviest rains in a thousand years" during Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang's tenure as city governor.
In the aftermath of that deluge a couple of decades ago, questions were raised about the wisdom of having turned so many of the city's canals into roads, given that much of Bangkok is below sea level. Mr Narong's point of reference was presumably the great flood of 1983 when a sizable part of Bangkok was submerged and boats were seen making their way along Silom,Ploenchit, parts of Sukhumvit and other roads. That is what happens when floodwaters have nowhere to go.Nowadays they head for the eastern suburbs, much to the horror of those living there.
This is also the time of year when city officials tend to point an accusing finger at construction projects for creating subsidence, worsening flooding and hampering drainage, but they should not forget that they were the ones who signed off on them, often without ensuring that the necessary infrastructure to service them was in place. They would also do well to review the measures taken to improve and clear out drainage systems and get pumps in working order ahead of this week's heavy rains. And start to plan for what might happen once construction of the infrastructure mega-projects begins.
More misery appears to be on the way for residents of the eastern suburbs next week, with high tides and heavy rains due to coincide. Those in the "inner city"are protected to some extent by the encircling flood control barriers and dykes. Unfortunately, this means that a disproportionate and unfair portion of the capital's average annual rainfall of 150cm (59 inches) will end up getting pushed out into the already soaked eastern suburbs. This is why it is essential that the promised improvements to the drainage system get the utmost priority. If for some reason they do not, then enthusiasm for paying high municipal taxes might start to wane.
The obvious problem facing Bangkok is that it is too close to the water - and getting closer all the time.This is caused by the excessive extraction of ground water over many years. Given that Bangkok is a human settlement built on a layer of clay, the dangers of groundwater extraction should have long been obvious.This has to stop. The solution is obvious but enforcement has been repeatedly postponed and Bangkok continues to sink. We are rapidly running out of time to fix this.
Backing this was the promise of a better drainage system for the worst affected area. Bangkok's citizens are used to promises but not to polite apologies and requests for forgiveness, so this pledge has the authority of a policy commitment that we should be able to trust.Countless millions of baht have been spent by taxpayers in recent decades on flood prevention safeguards including dykes, heavy-duty pumps, dredging, floodgates,sandbags and other drainage projects in an effort to make such appearances by the Governor unnecessary.
But sometimes just too much water gets dumped on the city in too short a time and there is nowhere for it to go. Drainage Technology Department directorNarong Airasubkunakorn claimed that this week's rains had been the heaviest in 25 years but this seemed to overlook the havoc wrought by what were then termed "the heaviest rains in a thousand years" during Maj-Gen Chamlong Srimuang's tenure as city governor.
In the aftermath of that deluge a couple of decades ago, questions were raised about the wisdom of having turned so many of the city's canals into roads, given that much of Bangkok is below sea level. Mr Narong's point of reference was presumably the great flood of 1983 when a sizable part of Bangkok was submerged and boats were seen making their way along Silom,Ploenchit, parts of Sukhumvit and other roads. That is what happens when floodwaters have nowhere to go.Nowadays they head for the eastern suburbs, much to the horror of those living there.
This is also the time of year when city officials tend to point an accusing finger at construction projects for creating subsidence, worsening flooding and hampering drainage, but they should not forget that they were the ones who signed off on them, often without ensuring that the necessary infrastructure to service them was in place. They would also do well to review the measures taken to improve and clear out drainage systems and get pumps in working order ahead of this week's heavy rains. And start to plan for what might happen once construction of the infrastructure mega-projects begins.
More misery appears to be on the way for residents of the eastern suburbs next week, with high tides and heavy rains due to coincide. Those in the "inner city"are protected to some extent by the encircling flood control barriers and dykes. Unfortunately, this means that a disproportionate and unfair portion of the capital's average annual rainfall of 150cm (59 inches) will end up getting pushed out into the already soaked eastern suburbs. This is why it is essential that the promised improvements to the drainage system get the utmost priority. If for some reason they do not, then enthusiasm for paying high municipal taxes might start to wane.
The obvious problem facing Bangkok is that it is too close to the water - and getting closer all the time.This is caused by the excessive extraction of ground water over many years. Given that Bangkok is a human settlement built on a layer of clay, the dangers of groundwater extraction should have long been obvious.This has to stop. The solution is obvious but enforcement has been repeatedly postponed and Bangkok continues to sink. We are rapidly running out of time to fix this.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
800m baht earmarked to limit flooding
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to spend 800 million baht on improving the drainage system along Srinakharin Road after serious flooding yesterday.
Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the drains along a 6.5km stretch of the road between the Phatthanakan and Sri-udom intersections on Sukhumvit Soi 103 would be improved.
The work will take about two years.MR Sukhumbhand said part of Srinakharin Road was built by the Rural Roads Department without a modern drainage system before it was transferred to the BMA.
A heavy downpour yesterday morning flooded several major roads in Bangkok,causing traffic jams across the city.
The situation was particularly serious on Srinakharin Road where floodwaters were from 30cm to 50cm high.
"I ask for forgiveness from Bangkokians for the slow drainage of floodwaters from many areas," MR Sukhumbhand said."That was because the torrential rainfall on Monday night required six to eight hours to drain from the roads."
In nearby Samut Prakan province, floodwaters on certain streets off Sukhumvit Road were as high as 80cm. The areas became impassable to small vehicles.
In Nakhon Ratchasima's Phimai district, the overflowing Moon River submerged more residential areas yesterday.
Flood officials said the water level in the Moon rose by 10cm, affecting more than 300 households in Phimai.
The average flood level in the district is 50cm, while the highest level recorded yesterday was one metre. There was a shortage of drinking water in many of the flooded areas.
The flooding in Phimai for more than a week has seen more than 50 residents develop skin and foot diseases, officials said. No agency has come forward with assistance despite repeated pleas for help.
Si Sa Ket's Sila Lat district was also hit by heavy flooding, with the flood level as high as one metre in some places. About 2,000 rai of farmland in tambons Nong Bua Dong and Kung have been swamped.
Phitsanulok governor Preecha Ruangjan yesterday declared Bang Rakam district a disaster zone as the flooding has spread and covered about eight tambons. Almost 40,000 rai of farmland has been affected.
The Meteorological Department yesterday issued a warning that Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi provinces could be hit by flash floods as more rain is forecast.
Flooding has already hit two districts - Huay Krachao and Lao Khwan - in Kanchanaburi.
In Huay Krachao district, flooding has affected about 200 households and damaged more than 10,000 rai of farmland.
In Lao Khwan district, all seven tambons are under water.
Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the drains along a 6.5km stretch of the road between the Phatthanakan and Sri-udom intersections on Sukhumvit Soi 103 would be improved.
The work will take about two years.MR Sukhumbhand said part of Srinakharin Road was built by the Rural Roads Department without a modern drainage system before it was transferred to the BMA.
A heavy downpour yesterday morning flooded several major roads in Bangkok,causing traffic jams across the city.
The situation was particularly serious on Srinakharin Road where floodwaters were from 30cm to 50cm high.
"I ask for forgiveness from Bangkokians for the slow drainage of floodwaters from many areas," MR Sukhumbhand said."That was because the torrential rainfall on Monday night required six to eight hours to drain from the roads."
In nearby Samut Prakan province, floodwaters on certain streets off Sukhumvit Road were as high as 80cm. The areas became impassable to small vehicles.
In Nakhon Ratchasima's Phimai district, the overflowing Moon River submerged more residential areas yesterday.
Flood officials said the water level in the Moon rose by 10cm, affecting more than 300 households in Phimai.
The average flood level in the district is 50cm, while the highest level recorded yesterday was one metre. There was a shortage of drinking water in many of the flooded areas.
The flooding in Phimai for more than a week has seen more than 50 residents develop skin and foot diseases, officials said. No agency has come forward with assistance despite repeated pleas for help.
Si Sa Ket's Sila Lat district was also hit by heavy flooding, with the flood level as high as one metre in some places. About 2,000 rai of farmland in tambons Nong Bua Dong and Kung have been swamped.
Phitsanulok governor Preecha Ruangjan yesterday declared Bang Rakam district a disaster zone as the flooding has spread and covered about eight tambons. Almost 40,000 rai of farmland has been affected.
The Meteorological Department yesterday issued a warning that Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi and Phetchaburi provinces could be hit by flash floods as more rain is forecast.
Flooding has already hit two districts - Huay Krachao and Lao Khwan - in Kanchanaburi.
In Huay Krachao district, flooding has affected about 200 households and damaged more than 10,000 rai of farmland.
In Lao Khwan district, all seven tambons are under water.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Villagers urged to inspect relief supplies
The opposition warned the government yesterday to ensure transparency in the distribution of flood relief supplies,saying it should carefully monitor budget spending while extending help to the flood victims or it could see itself mired in another rotten canned fish scandal.
Opposition chief whip Witthaya Buranasiri urged local administration organisations and villagers in the flood-hit areas to check the quality of humanitarian supplies being provided by state agencies.
"Flood relief supply recipients should carefully check the items to see if they are still fit for consumption, otherwise you could end up having rotten canned fish in your bags again," Mr Witthaya said.
He was referring to complaints by Phatthalung villagers over the distribution of rotten canned fish to flood victims in the southern province by the Social Development and Human Security Ministry earlier this year. The then social development and human security minister Witoon Nambutr resigned in February after the scandal broke.
Although the flood situation has improved somewhat in many of the hardhit provinces, the weather bureau issued a new warning yesterday saying that more torrential downpours were expected over the next two weeks.
In Ayutthaya, the Ratchaprachanukroh Foundation under the patronage of His Majesty the King yesterday distributed 1,000 flood relief kits to the affected people in Bang Ban district.
Ayutthaya is among the 13 provinces in the Central, North and Northeast regions still encountering heavy flooding.
Ayutthaya Governor Witthaya Phiewphong said yesterday the overall situation in the province had improved as floodwaters had begun to recede.
However, the water level in major rivers running through the province, such as the Pa Sak, remained high and needed to be monitored continuously for the time being.
In this province alone, about 25,200 families in nine districts have been affected.
More heavy rain has been forecast for the East and the South where people have been told to prepare for more flash floods, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
In Bangkok, Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the city was expected to face a run-off from the North on Oct 18 to 20 which could complicate matters with the possible arrival of Tropical Storm Parma, which has regained strength, and two more new tropical storms. Parma was yesterday moving westward toward the South China Sea.
Flood relief officials in the city's drainage department have been alerted and are being readied for any emergency if needed, said the governor.
Opposition chief whip Witthaya Buranasiri urged local administration organisations and villagers in the flood-hit areas to check the quality of humanitarian supplies being provided by state agencies.
"Flood relief supply recipients should carefully check the items to see if they are still fit for consumption, otherwise you could end up having rotten canned fish in your bags again," Mr Witthaya said.
He was referring to complaints by Phatthalung villagers over the distribution of rotten canned fish to flood victims in the southern province by the Social Development and Human Security Ministry earlier this year. The then social development and human security minister Witoon Nambutr resigned in February after the scandal broke.
Although the flood situation has improved somewhat in many of the hardhit provinces, the weather bureau issued a new warning yesterday saying that more torrential downpours were expected over the next two weeks.
In Ayutthaya, the Ratchaprachanukroh Foundation under the patronage of His Majesty the King yesterday distributed 1,000 flood relief kits to the affected people in Bang Ban district.
Ayutthaya is among the 13 provinces in the Central, North and Northeast regions still encountering heavy flooding.
Ayutthaya Governor Witthaya Phiewphong said yesterday the overall situation in the province had improved as floodwaters had begun to recede.
However, the water level in major rivers running through the province, such as the Pa Sak, remained high and needed to be monitored continuously for the time being.
In this province alone, about 25,200 families in nine districts have been affected.
More heavy rain has been forecast for the East and the South where people have been told to prepare for more flash floods, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
In Bangkok, Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the city was expected to face a run-off from the North on Oct 18 to 20 which could complicate matters with the possible arrival of Tropical Storm Parma, which has regained strength, and two more new tropical storms. Parma was yesterday moving westward toward the South China Sea.
Flood relief officials in the city's drainage department have been alerted and are being readied for any emergency if needed, said the governor.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
RUN-OFF AND HIGH SEAS THREATEN CHAO PHYA LEVELS
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is keeping watch on twin flood threats to the Chao Phya River - approaching run-off from flooding in the North and, on October 18-20, heavy inflows of sea water, which could lift river levels by up to 2.20 metres.
BMA governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra led city executives yesterday on an inspection of the Chao Phya at Ratchawong pier and Klong Bangkok Noi.
They found the city's water level had already risen by 20cm-30cm, following the release of 2,500 cubic metres of water from the Chao Phya dam. Records showed the river had risen by 1.8 metres at Memorial Bridge.
Sukhumbhand warned that from October 18 to 20 there would be massive inflows of sea water to the river, especially on Tuesday October 20, which will see the highest inflows. However the river's flood level should not exceed 2.2m.
The BMA has piled up 4.2 million sandbags to form seven-kilometre-long flood barriers on both sides of the river where permanent flood barriers are not yet built - but should be in place by late next year.
Local officials have been ordered to be ready to help the 28 communities in nine districts that are most at risk. The public can call for flood information on the BMA hotline 1555 around the clock, he said.
In Angthong, where floods affected 300 families and 2,000 rai of farmlands in Muang and Pa Moke districts, residents of Muang district's tambon Ban Id have gone fishing, following news that some Pho Thong district residents caught two giant 100-kilogram catfish on Wednesday night.
In Pa Moke district, flood water had risen 11cm since Wednesday and the Chao Phya River there was 50cm above its banks. In Muang district it was 7.20m deep and 30cm below the river banks.
The Chao Phya dam released 2,092 cubic metres of water per second yesterday, slightly less than the day before. The local irrigation authority has opened the sludge gate to Klong Bang Kaew, causing the canal to overflow and cover the Asia Highway in 80cm-deep water.
Up north, the weather on top of Ang Khang and Inthanon mountain in Chiang Mai is getting cooler. The lowest temperature was between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius.
BMA governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra led city executives yesterday on an inspection of the Chao Phya at Ratchawong pier and Klong Bangkok Noi.
They found the city's water level had already risen by 20cm-30cm, following the release of 2,500 cubic metres of water from the Chao Phya dam. Records showed the river had risen by 1.8 metres at Memorial Bridge.
Sukhumbhand warned that from October 18 to 20 there would be massive inflows of sea water to the river, especially on Tuesday October 20, which will see the highest inflows. However the river's flood level should not exceed 2.2m.
The BMA has piled up 4.2 million sandbags to form seven-kilometre-long flood barriers on both sides of the river where permanent flood barriers are not yet built - but should be in place by late next year.
Local officials have been ordered to be ready to help the 28 communities in nine districts that are most at risk. The public can call for flood information on the BMA hotline 1555 around the clock, he said.
In Angthong, where floods affected 300 families and 2,000 rai of farmlands in Muang and Pa Moke districts, residents of Muang district's tambon Ban Id have gone fishing, following news that some Pho Thong district residents caught two giant 100-kilogram catfish on Wednesday night.
In Pa Moke district, flood water had risen 11cm since Wednesday and the Chao Phya River there was 50cm above its banks. In Muang district it was 7.20m deep and 30cm below the river banks.
The Chao Phya dam released 2,092 cubic metres of water per second yesterday, slightly less than the day before. The local irrigation authority has opened the sludge gate to Klong Bang Kaew, causing the canal to overflow and cover the Asia Highway in 80cm-deep water.
Up north, the weather on top of Ang Khang and Inthanon mountain in Chiang Mai is getting cooler. The lowest temperature was between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)