Maps of Flood Risk Areas in Bangkok: UPDATED 31 October; Flood Death Toll Reaches 381
31 October:
* Wall of misery [Bangkok Post]
Suburb inundated as residents destroy dyke; Boats needed to clear out stricken homes
Angry residents broke down an earth dyke in Don Muang district, sending floodwaters over Chaeng Wattana Road, as City Hall urged authorities to provide better relief and protection to prevent more such incidents. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)
Chaeng Wattana Road and surrounding areas have been inundated by overflow from Khlong Prapa after an earth dyke in Don Muang district was destroyed by angry residents.
The damaged dyke near Wat Nawong in Don Muang caused a huge volume of floodwater to flow into the Prapa canal, which supplies tap water to Bangkok.
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* Chao Phraya hits record level of 2.53m [The Nation]
Leaks in barriers spur flooding in Sukhumvit 50 and two Samsen sois
The Chimplee, Taling Chan and Bang Lamat subdistricts of Taling Chan were declared "surveillance areas" yesterday after the Chao Phraya River reached a record high of 2.53 metres and some parts of the floodwall leaked.
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* Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)
http://www.bangkokgis.com/flood/index.php?option=com_content&vi...
Announcement on Flooding Situation in Bangkok 30 Oct 2011, 09.45 pm
M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, said that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has declared the areas of the Taling Chan District and the Lak Si District to be the areas requiring evacuation. By the announcement, BMA urged those people residing in the two districts to evacuate and seek temporary shelters at the centers of flood relief operation designated and prepared by BMA for the sake of safety of their lives and properties since the influx has inundated extensively the total area with an increasing trend of its scope.
(The following by Thai English Translator: http://www.sms-translator.net/thai-english-translator.php)
1) Map of Bangkok under the water on October 30, 2554.
- A statement by the Director of the BMA
- Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 00:00 - Last Updated Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 22:59 am
(30 Oct 54) at 21.45 hrs.: Governor of Bangkok Has announced that two districts in Bangkok. The area was evacuated for four Taling Chan district.
(** From the four regions of the Silk Road and the Don Muang, Bang Phlat Taweewattana).
(Source: President's statement, Bangkok).
2) Map the areas of water resources at October 29, 2554.
(Source: Centre of Bangkok and the separate GISTDA.)
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* Thailand Forum > Thailand News
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/508735-thailand-live-sunday-30-...
** 10pm) Police fail to control the ppl from Klong Samwa community and they have successfully broke the flood gate. TR @news1005fm/via@veen_NT
** Water hygiene confirmed despite different smell and colour; UPDATE : 30 October 2011
The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has confirmed the hygiene of the water produced after water from Muang Ake has overflown into the Waterworks (Prapa) Canal.
However, there’s a possibility that the consumable water will have a different smell and colour. People are advised to boil it before consuming.
The Authority is checking the water quality daily and ensuring the hygiene by adding oxygen, chloride and other purifying substances.
No disease such as E coli nor toxic chemicals have been found.
** Dept. of Disease Control said after flood, more ppl maybe died due to electrical shock, suggested ppl shut down electricity system before evacuate via @sresuda /via@ThaiFloodEng
** RT @veen_NT: 36 ppl have been killed by electrocution, half of them in their flooded homes. #ch9 TR @worawisut/via@tulsathit
** More roads flooded today as sea level rose this morning
BANGKOK, 30 October 2011 (NNT)-In the latest flood updates, Song Wat and Soi Sam Sen 21 and 23 have reportedly been flooded when the sea water rose to the highest level this morning.
The water level in the Chao Phraya River was recorded at 2.53 meters above mean sea level which caused an overspill on Song Wat Rd as well as Sam Sen Soi 21 and 23.
The report added that the torrent at Chao Phraya and Rama 6 dams has been recorded at the speed of 3,254 cubic meters per second, declining from yesterday by 27 cubic meters per second.
Meanwhile, the water level in Bang Sai is now at 4.11 meters above the sea level, declining from yesterday’s level by 3 centimeters. However, the water levels in Khlong Hok Wa in Sai Mai district and Khlong Thawi Watthana rose 8 centimers higher and 10 centimeters in Khlong Prem Prachakon.
** Don Mueang Airport at 3.31pm on Oct 30. Photo by Pat Sarnsamak/via@Urisara_NT
** Flood Death Toll Reaches 381; UPDATE : 30 October 2011
According to the latest official data, the flooding disaster has already claimed 381 lives in 26 provinces.
** 10 Flood evacuee centers in Bangkok shut down due to rising floodwater
BANGKOK, 30 October 2011 (NNT)-The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has already closed 10 flood evacuee centers which are located in 4 heavily inundated areas, prompting the transfer of 406 evacuees to other shelters outside of Bangkok.
According to the BMA, there are a total of 10,343 people staying in 436 school compounds which now serve as evacuee centers while ten of those have been closed as flood levels continue to rise.
** Pattaya packed with flood evacuees; BANGKOK, 31 October 2011 (NNT) - Pattaya beach resort is crowded with flood-affected citizens fleeing to the East.
Floods in several areas in Thailand, particularly in Bangkok where water level is constantly increasing, have forced a huge number of people to relocate their belongings and take their family members to seek safety elsewhere.
Among the safe destination is Pattaya which a large number of flood-affected people have chosen as their shelter away from problems, making every roads starting from inbound Sukhumvit Road as well as roads and places in northern, central, and southern Pattaya packed with vehicles and people. Traffic jam can be experienced along the way.
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See also;
* Moment of revelation: 2011 Thailand mega flood; Posted by Pavat Teeranavattanakul on October 30, 2011
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30 October:
* Floods peak, defences hold [Bangkok Post]: Size of flood threat downscaled; SMALLER MASS OF WATER HEADING TO CITY THAN FIRST FEARED
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra believes the overall flood situation in Bangkok will improve in the next few days although floodwaters have begun to spread to fresh areas in the capital.
* Drainage system not up to task [Bangkok Post]: CANALS BUILT TO TAKE LOCALISED FLOODS
Bangkok has been struggling to divert floodwater out of the city because its water drainage system was developed mainly for handling localised flooding caused by heavy rainfall, not massive run-offs from the North, said former senior officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).
Bangkok invested heavily in its water drainage infrastructure after 1983 when major flooding hit the city. Since then, canals and tunnels have been dug, retention ponds designated, and pump stations constructed to help drain the water. The water drainage system is based on a polder system, where dykes are built around the city, and floodwaters are directed to the sea by pumps, water drainage canals and tunnels. Polder systems have been developed mainly in inner Bangkok, the western side of the city, and the eastern side. In inner Bangkok, a large polder has major roads and railways cutting through the Ramkhamhaeng and Phetchaburi areas, acting as its main dykes. The polder is divided into more than 10 sub-polders where drainage canals and tunnels, pump stations and pumps help drain water out from the protected areas inside them.
* Curbs on water in Thon Buri, Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan [The Nation]
Residents of parts of Nonthaburi, Samut Prakan and Bangkok's Thon Buri areas have been told to stock water as the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority would supply water only from 6am-9am and 5pm-8pm daily, the Flood Relief Operations Centre spokesman said yesterday.
* How to survive [Bangkok Post]: Come hell or high water; Flood survival guide; 'Spectrum' answers questions about some of the risks and fears
* Popular blue whales battle a sea of... [Bangkok Post]: See the comment in this blog.
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See also;
* "Bangkok could be underwater in 2030 due sinking land" but Bangkok ...; Posted by Stanislavon October 28, 2011
* Bangkok in 'crisis mode' as floods advance; Posted by steve havas on October 25, 2011
* "Bangkok goes under... flooding is now ''very serious'' and worseni...; Posted byStanislav on October 24, 2011
* 7 of 10 SINKING ; Bangkok starts flooding!! Authorities said floodi...; Posted by Stanislav on October 23, 2011
* 7 of 10 SINKING; Ayutthaya was submerged due sea level rise; Centra...; Posted byStanislav on October 22, 2011
* Flood arrives in Bangkok reported by Bangkok post; Posted by bill on October 19, 2011
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29 October:
UPDATED 29 October: Maps of Flood Risk Areas
Note: As the above site seems to be updated fitly, more recent flood situation in Bangkok could be seen when you click it.
* Thon Buri doomed: All of Thon Buri faces inundation: Defence of west part of Chao Phraya in jeopardy
The entire Thon Buri area is expected to be submerged within three days due to signs that northern runoff could overwhelm attempts by City Hall and irrigation officials to defend the western part of the Chao Phraya River.
Powerful floodwaters from Vibhavadi Rangsit Road hit the fence and comebursting into the compound ofDon Mueang airport. PATTANAPONGHIRUNAD
With floodwater levels rising by between 50cm and 1m, Chainat Niyomthoon, deputy director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Drainage and Sewage, expected the water to eventually overflow several canals including Khlong Maha Sawat in Thawi Watthana district.
"We have received information about high water levels in several canals, particularly Khlong Maha Sawat, a main canal in the Thon Buri area," Mr Chainat said yesterday.
The BMA and navy were jointly installing 180 sheet piles to reinforce the dyke along Maha Sawat canal but the water level appeared to be too much to handle.
That prompted Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra to announce last night that residents living in all areas of Thawi Watthana should immediately evacuate to higher ground.
Thawi Watthana is the fourth district in Bangkok where people have been ordered to leave their homes, besides Don Muang, Bang Phlat and Sai Mai.
Apart from Khlong Maha Sawat, the southern railway track, which runs parallel to the canal, is another barrier to prevent floodwaters going downstream.
But Chaiyaporn Promsuwan, director of the Irrigation Office's Phra Pimol irrigation project, said the track, which is 3m above sea level, could be inundated and was unable to shield Thon Buri from flooding.
"The southern track may not be able to withstand [the massive volume of floodwater] in the next two to three days. This will result in heavy flooding in Bangkok's Thon Buri and adjacent areas in Nakhon Pathom," Mr Chaiyaporn said.
If floodwaters managed to breach the southern track, the lower part of Bangkok would be badly hit, he added.
"Severe damage will happen if people are not evacuated from the area before anticipated floods arrive," he warned.
Meanwhile, the Flood Relief Operations Command last night said five locations have been set aside as gathering points for people leaving the areas.
They are the Thailand-Japan Stadium in Din Daeng, Fashion Island on Rarm Intra Road, Holland Beer on Rama II Road, the Mall department store in Bang Khae and Wat Sri Iem in Bang Na.
People should gather there before being sent to shelters, or transported to other provinces if they do not want to stay in Bangkok, Froc spokesman Thongthong Chandarangsu said.
The BMA has designated an area under the Vacharapol expressway and Wat Phra Si Maha That as two gathering points for residents affected by flooding in Bang Khen district before they are evacuated to shelter centres.
The gathering point beneath the expressway was for flood victims from the Tha Raeng area while Wat Phra Si Maha That was for residents living in the Anusawari area, Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said after inspecting the flood level at Ying Charoen market.
Several areas in Bang Khen district have been inundated, forcing residents to leave their houses to take refuge at nine shelter centres in the district.
The BMA has sped up the drainage of water from Khlong Song canal in Sai Mai district through other canals in the adjacent Bang Khen district before draining it to the Chao Phraya River.
The Bangkok governor said Anusawari and Tha Raeng had been affected by flooding. The two areas accounted for 20% of Bang Khen district.
The BMA has placed Bang Khen under special watch as a huge amount of the northern runoff was flowing into the district, MR Sukhumbhand said.
The flooding in Bangkok is still worrisome as the water level of the Chao Phraya River is expected to rise to between 2.5-2.6 metres above sea level today as a result of high sea tides.
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* http://www.france24.com/en/20111029-thai-pm-says-floods-ease-river-...
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USEFUL LINKS:
- Video: Understanding the Thai Flood
- Video: FAQ about the Thai Flood
- Useful map showing where it is raining in Bangkok at this moment: thairainmap.com
- Is it raining in Bangkok? Watch live street cams on this map: traffy.in.th/traffy/
- Map showing elevation in Bangkok will give an idea where it will flood
- Website monitoring water levels in Bangkok: dds.bangkok.go.th/Floodmon
- Flood map and flood resources in English by Google Crisis Response
- Situation reports in English from the Emergency Operation Center for Floods
- Weather updates from Thai Meteorological Department
- Useful tips on how to protect yourself from the floods
- Thai news search: Thailand Scribe
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* Bangkok Land Elevation: http://bkkbaseface.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/bangkok-flood-elevation...
This image is a map of Bangkok elevation levels with the English names and locations of a few well known landmarks and districts added. Based off this map, it becomes clear why limited flooding is occurring in very limited areas and why the northern flood wall is so important.
Update: Here is the original version compressed down to a medium resolution JPEG:
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28 October:
Please see the today's comments in this blog.
2) Good things during bad times (Bangkok Post)
3) Froc floats disaster plan (Bangkok Post)
4) Residents along waterways blocking operations (The Nation)
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27 October:
See the comment by bill in this blog. (https://poleshift.ning.com/profiles/blogs/maps-of-flood-risk-areas-... )
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Mass exodus to Hua Hin and Pattaya
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/263377/mass-exodus-to...
Bangkok residents fleeing the floods are fast filling up budget hotels in the resort towns of Hua Hin and Pattaya.
Traffic is reduced to a crawl on Highway 314 between Bang Pakong and Chachoengsao as motorists take a long detour to avoid heavy flooding in Bangkok and the Central Plains to travel to the North and Northeast. (Photo by Sontanaporn Inchan)
As the flood threat mounts, some families already sent their children and elderly members out of the city, said Risinee Sarikaputra, associate director for research and valuation with the property agency Knight Frank Thailand.
Cha-am and Hua Hin are popular as more city residents have second homes in these resorts than Pattaya.
While hotels in resort destinations are almost full, few expect a revenue windfall as most are slashing prices to help those affected by floods, and the spending power of Thais is lower than that of foreigners, said Ms Risinee.
The occupancy rates of luxury hotels have been stable but some have seen falling demand since international visitors have been cancelling bookings.
Hotels with the highest occupancy rates are economy and budget properties charging 1,500 to 2,500 baht per night.
Aliwassa Pathnadabutr, managing director of CB Richard Ellis Thailand, said many Bangkok residents are moving to their home provinces.
"Through our Pattaya and Hua-Hin operations, we are seeing a rapid rise in bookings for serviced apartments and hotels in both locations, particularly since the past weekend," she said.
Somsakul Limsuttaphan, assistant managing director of Plus Property Co, reports 150 inquiries to book short-term rental homes for one to two months. Rates range from 25,000 to 55,000 baht a month.
Knight Frank found the occupancy rate of Bangkok serviced apartments has risen, especially for buildings with above-ground parking. Lower bookings from international visitors are being offset by bookings from local residents, albeit at slightly lower rates.
Some expatriates have decided to go back to their home countries and others are relocating to Pattaya.
Many companies have rented hotel rooms near their offices for their staff and expatriates, with hotels near the airport showing high occupancy.
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Sai Mai braces for massive runoff
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/263356/
Water level at canal's sluice gate reaches 2.6m
Sai Mai district is bracing for disaster as the massive runoff from the North is too forceful to be regulated by the Khlong Song Sai Tai.
Residents at Soi Annex off Phahon Yothin Road in Sai Mai districtwade through floodwater whichhas surged into their community. RATTASEEMAPONGSEN
The water level in the canal at Khlong 2 sluice gate, which conjoins with Khlong Hok Wa, the last barrier of Bangkok's Sai Mai, reached 2.6 metres yesterday, higher than the maximum hight of the gate at 2.4 metres.
Officials had to remove parts of the 50-centimetre high sandbag wall at the gate to allow water to flow into the Khlong Hok Wa canal to relieve impacts on nearby residents currently struggling against increasing floods.
The increased water level in Khlong Hok Wa since 1am yesterday forced almost all residents in Phahon Yothin Soi 63 to evacuate from their homes which were left to face the one-metre level of water.
Many parts of Sai Mai Road began to be flooded yesterday by water coming from Phahon Yothin Road and sewers in which water has kept increasing since Tuesday.
The hardest hit spots are areas in front of the Sai Mai hospital and the Wongsakon market with water level reaching 30 centimetres yesterday.
Other areas include Sai Mai Soi 77. Yesterday its one traffic lane was flooded. Flood is also spreading to the road heading to Rittiyawannalai 2 school in Sai Mai Soi 43. It caused many housing estates to rush to pump water from their villages.
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WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/new/specials/GraphicAnimate_Expecte...
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26 October:
Chao Phraya on the brink: PM says floodwalls not able to withstand water
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/263173/chao-phraya-on-the-brink
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra warned Bangkok residents in all areas last night to brace for flooding after advancing runoff from the north of Bangkok surged into Don Mueang airport yesterday.
No one is spared
Floodwater laps the front of Don Mueang airport on Vibhavadi Rangsit Road where the government is running its flood relief operations centre in Bangkok. Flight operations were halted there yesterday due to the flooded airfield. NATTHITI AMPRIWAN
A foreign tourist takes a picture of the floods outside the Grand Palace. PATIPAT JANTHONG
An aerial view of the flooded Thupatemee Stadium intersection. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN
The prime minister conceded existing floodwalls and water embankments might not be able to withstand the massive inundation and said there was a strong chance the flood will penetrate central and inner zones of the capital.
"The highest risk will be areas along the Chao Phraya River and the floodwalls along the banks. The flood level will depend on how well we can manage the water flow," Ms Yingluck said in a televised message.
She said the government and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will work together to ensure the flood level will be kept to a minimum.
Bangkok governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the water level in the Chao Phraya River yesterday reached a record high, rising to between 2.35 and 2.4 metres above sea level.
If the water level continues to rise at this rate, the Chao Phraya will surge up to 2.6m high this weekend whereas the embankment along the river is 2.5m high.
He said riverside communities are urged to be on full alert and prepare for evacuation. Evacuation centres have been arranged at all 50 district offices.
"The high water level in the Chao Phraya River is unprecedented," MR Sukhumbhand said.
City Hall's flood prevention centre yesterday reported that the Chao Phraya water level reached its peak yesterday at 2.4 metres above sea level, recorded in front of Pak Khlong Talat.
Sea tides are expected to be unusually high at between 10 and 20cm today.
MR Sukhumbhand said that City Hall can no longer strengthen the embankments stretching more than 86km along the river banks with more than 10 million sandbags in a limited period.
All the city can do now is focus on protecting important places including the Grand Palace, Siriraj Hospital and Don Mueang airport, which is where the Flood Relief Operations Command (Froc) is cited, he said.
The BMA will work with the Highways Department to build a 3m floodwall stretching about 39km to protect the east of Bangkok. The flood barrier will run from Sai Mai road, through Hathai Rat Road, Hathai Mitr Road, Nimitr Mai Road, Rom Klao Road and King Kaew Road.
The advancing flood waters yesterday forced an evacuation of up to 4,000 people taking shelter at the airport.
The runoff has swept through the rear of Don Mueang, swamping parts of its runway. Airports of Thailand Plc has declared the airport's runway will be closed until Tuesday. Sandbags have been stacked to protect the airport from the floods as the evacuees were moved out to a shelter centre at the Physical Education College in Chon Buri.
Froc spokesman Wim Rungwattanajinda said the agency will continue to operate on the second floor of the airport's domestic passenger terminal building and will not relocate elsewhere.
Floodwaters at the airport are expected to reach no more than 1m, he said.
Don Muang district office chief Phumiphat Damrongkiatisak said all of Don Muang district was submerged as the Khlong 1 sluice gate in Rangsit could not be closed, allowing a substantial volume of runoff to spread through the area.
The local road near Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, areas near Khlong Prem Prachakorn, and the Vibhavadi Rangsit Road in front of the airport were under 80cm of water. However, the water level in Khlong Prapa has returned to normal and floods in Lak Si district and Chaeng Wattana Road have receded as a result.
Flooding in Bang Phlat district worsened yesterday with fresh areas being inundated and much of Charan Sanitwong road submerged.
There were reports of embankments being breached at several sections of the embankment along the Chao Phraya River on the Thon Buri side.
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Water levels rise in Khlong Hok Wa
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/263178/water-levels-rise-in-k...
Water levels in Khlong Hok Wa bordering Pathum Thani and Bangkok's Sai Mai district rose more than 10 centimetres yesterday, but authorities were confident the flood barrier would remain intact.
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Don Mueang operations grounded: Floodwater on runway stops flights for a week
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/263177/don-mueang-operations-...
Flight operations at Bangkok's Don Mueang airport were halted from yesterday afternoon until at least next Tuesday as its runways are flooded. However, a shelter and the government's flood relief centre continue to operate there.
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25 October:
Don Mueang Airport halts all flight services at 5pm (Oct 25)
http://www.mcot.net/EnglishNews
http://www.mcot.net/cfcustom/cache_page/285393.html
BANGKOK, Oct 25 – Don Mueang Airport, Thailand’s main domestic airport which also houses the government's flood crisis centre, suspended all flight operations Tuesday for the safety of passengers, according to Group Captain Kanputt Mungklasiri, director of Don Mueang Airport.
The airport director denied reports that the runway has been flooded, saying the flight suspension is a precautionary and preventative measure done for safety reasons.
Normally, 160 daily flights operate from the former main international airport by Nok Air and Orient Thai Airlines.
Thailand’s budget carrier Nok Air announced suspension of all flight services as water has flowed into the northern tier of the airport and has now nearly reached the areas where the airport’s electronic control system is housed.
Nok Air halted flight operations since noon, with flights diverted to Suvarnabhumi Airport, according to Patee Sarasin, Nok Air chief executive officer.
Mr Patee said the airline expected to resume operating flights on Nov 1, explaining that the company was uncertain whether Suvarnabhumi Airport will be flooded. The airline has opted to wait and see what the situation will be at both Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi airports.
Owing to the suspension, Mr Patee said, Nok Air passengers could reschedule their tickets.
Orient Thai Airlines began diverting all domestic flights from Don Mueang Airport to Suvarnabhumi Airport at 3pm.
Meanwhile, national flag carrier Thai Airways (THAI) is still operating normally at Suvarnabhumi airport but is closely monitoring the flood situation, according to Samat Poom-on, director of THAI’s Crisis Management & Operations Centre (CMOC).
Initially, the company has prepared six optional airports and two emergency airports for further consideration if the situation worsens.
Previously, the airline moved some additional equipment for on-ground services to U-Tapao Airport in the eastern province of Chon Buri. (MCOT online news)
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Fearful city folk brace for soaking
Efforts to drive water to east, west of capital fail
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/262990/fearful-city-folk-brac...
Bangkok residents are living in fear as the authorities have been unsuccessful in trying to divert northern runoff to the east and west of the capital.
Roadturns to river A road opposite Pata shopping mall in Bang Phlat district floods after the Chao Phraya River surged in the evening. The road is impassible to small vehicles. PAWAT LAOPAISARNTAKSIN
A bird’s eye view of the submerged Thammasat University Rangsit Campus from a Royal Thai Air Force helicopter. The university is seeking to relocate some 4,000 flood victims after water broke through barricades. SURAPOL PROMSAKA NA SAKOLNAKORN
About 4,000 million cubic metres of flood water from Ayutthaya is expected to reach Bangkok tomorrow, Deputy Bangkok Governor Pornthep Techapaiboon said yesterday.
"The problem is City Hall can drain no more than 400 million cu m of water a day," Mr Pornthep said.
The huge water mass will enter the west of Bangkok via Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi and sweep into Khlong Thawi Watthana, Khlong Bangkok Noi and Khlong Bang Phlad and is expected to reach up to three metres high.
However, Mr Pornthep said there is a 2.7-metre-high railway track in Thawi Watthana district which serves as a flood barrier in the west of Bangkok.
The water level in the Chao Phraya River reached a record high yesterday, rising to 2.3 metres above sea level against 2.27 metres back in 1995.
The river breached its banks and inundated riverside communities in Bang Phlad, Samsen and Charan Sanitwong.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra warned residents living outside the city's embankments to be extra careful or evacuate to shelter centres.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday said that Bangkok has seen floodwaters converge on it from various directions.
She said runoff from the north has reached the north of Bangkok because the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) could not close the Khlong 1 sluice gate in Rangsit as the water flow was too strong and high. The raging torrents could burst through the water gate.
"The government has no intention of concealing information. We provide the public with regular updates. But too many new factors keep cropping up," Ms Yingluck said.
She added that areas from the Chulalongkorn sluice gate down to Sai Mai district are at risk of floods despite efforts to divert waterflow to the east of Bangkok.
She said there was concern for low-lying areas in the south of Bangkok and in Thon Buri.
Ms Yingluck said that in the west of Bangkok, three more drainage canals in Nakhon Pathom have been dug and dredged to help divert run-off to the Tha Chin River and on to the sea. They are Khlong Ngiew Rai in Nakhon Chaisi district, Khlong Song Khanong and Khlong Thakham in Sampran district.
But a problem had arisen as no water had flowed into the canals so far, probably because areas around the canals are flat and even. But it is hoped that the massive flow of runoff will soon surge forward into the canals, she said.
There are 27 flood-prone districts of the capital and they have evacuation plans in place. Sai Mai and Don Muang would be the first two affected districts, Gen Prayuth said after taking a helicopter ride with Gen Yutthasak to inspect the flooded areas.
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24 October:
M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, said that the level of the Chao Phraya River is remarkably high and thus causes flooding in several areas next to the River. However, the overall situation has not reached the critical point yet but needs to be closely watched [MORE].
Despite flooding in about 27 provinces in Thailand (see map) the Bangkok Governor is confident that the city itself is well prepared and can face any floods.
24 October: The government has declared water gates and flood barriers special control zones as it struggles not only with the disaster but also with interference from protesting affected residents [Read more in the Bangkok Post]
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23 October: M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, said that the level of the Chao Phraya River is remarkably high and thus causes flooding in several areas next to the River. However, the overall situation has not reached the critical point yet but needs to be closely watched [MORE].
Despite flooding in about 27 provinces in Thailand (see map) the Bangkok Governor is confident that the city itself is well prepared and can face any floods.
23 October: Deluge reaches city’s north – Flooding broke out across northern Bangkok yesterday as floodwaters from Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani stressed canals and flood barriers across the city [Read full story in Bangkok Post]
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22 October: Nine districts of Bangkok are at risk of flooding and people in the areas should move their belongings to higher places, according to Bangkok Governor Sukhmbhand Paribatra. Seven main districts are Lat Krabang, Nong Chok, Minburi, Khlong Samwa, Kannayao, Saimai, and Bangkhen. In addition Thung Si Kan and Don Muang subdistricts in Don Muang district and Thung Song Hong subdistrict in Laksi district [MORE]
Despite flooding in about 27 provinces in Thailand (see map) the Bangkok Governor is confident that the city itself is well prepared and can face any floods.
22 October: PM Takes Charge of flood crisis – Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has invoked the disaster prevention law to take full control of flood operations as run-off from the North has started surging into Bangkok [Read full story in Bangkok Post]
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21 October: Nine districts of Bangkok are at risk of flooding and people in the areas should move their belongings to higher places, according to Bangkok Governor Sukhmbhand Paribatra. Seven main districts are Lat Krabang, Nong Chok, Minburi, Khlong Samwa, Kannayao, Saimai, and Bangkhen. In addition Thung Si Kan and Don Muang subdistricts in Don Muang district and Thung Song Hong subdistrict in Laksi district [MORE]
21 October: Bangkok districts told to brace - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has agreed to help drain northern runoff into the sea through the city’s canals as parts of Don Muang and Laksi districts were declared flood-risk zones yesterday [Read full story in Bangkok Post]
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20 October: Seven districts of Bangkok are at risk of flooding and people in the areas should move their belongings to higher places, according to Bangkok Governor Sukhmbhand Paribatra. The seven districts are Lat Krabang, Nong Chok, Minburi, Khlong Samwa, Kannayao, Saimai, and Bangkhen [MORE]
Despite flooding in about 27 provinces in Thailand (see map) the Bangkok Governor is confident that the city itself is well prepared and can face any floods.
- Is it raining in Bangkok? Watch live street cams on this map: traffy.in.th/traffy/
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Follow latest #ThaiFloodEng news on Twitter @RichardBarrow
20 October: Govt sacrifices eastern Bangkok – In a bid to save the economic heart of the capital amid surging water levels, the government has finally opted to use the eastern part of Bangkok to drain massive amounts of floodwaters from the northern outskirts [Read full story in Bangkok Post]
(Note: This figure is previously posted in bill's blog of "Flood arrives in Bangkok reported by Bangkok post".
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The new frontline for Bangkok is the Northern district of Sai Mai. Don Muang is also at risk.
UPDATE: Google Crisis Response have now released an English version of their Thailand Flood Map
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UPDATED 19 October: Maps of Flood Risk Areas in Bangkok #ThaiFloodEng:
Despite flooding in about 30 provinces in Thailand (see map) the Bangkok Governor is confident that the city itself is well prepared and can face any floods. This is mainly because the city has a 75.8km-long flood wall along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. In February last year, according to the Bangkok Post, the city constructed a seventh drainage tunnel between the Rama IX and Ramkhamhaeng areas. The combined length of the seven drainage tunnels in Bangkok is 19km. In addition, the city has 21 “monkey cheek” water retention areas. These areas can hold up to 12.75 million cubic metres of water.
19th October: City fate rests on barriers – Residents in many areas of Bangkok’s neighbouring provinces – Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom – were evacuated yesterday, while the capital’s chance of escaping the raging floods now depends on some temporary barriers [Read full story in The Nation]
19 October: Race begins to defend the capital – The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is defending the eastern part of the capital by speeding up reinforcement of flood barriers in Sai Mai district to avert threats from rising floodwaters [Read full story in the Bangkok Post]
Views: 35771
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Comment by Kojima on October 29, 2011 at 1:17pm
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October 28: Residents along waterways blocking operations (The Nation)
Pongphon Sarnsamak
The lack of understanding among people living near sluice gates is causing a real problem because they are stopping authorities from opening the gates out of fear their residences will be submerged, the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry said.
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28 October: Froc floats disaster plan (Bangkok Post)
Experts look at digging channels to ease the flow
The Flood Relief Operations Command (Froc) is looking at the possibility of digging channels into some roads in eastern Bangkok to help drain runoff from the north to the east of the capital and on to the sea.
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28 October: Good things during bad times (Bangkok Post); By Kultida Samabuddhi
Bangkok is counting down to "Judgement Day" this weekend when high sea tides meet the northern runoff and possibly turn this capital of 10 million people into a waterworld.
The situation has become too bad to think sensibly, so before the confusing messages from the Flood Relief Operations Command befuddle us completely, and before the flood phobia destroys our consciousness, let us sit down and concentrate on the positive side of this major flood.
The most important thing this disaster has given us is the opportunity to rethink the way we live and to make a new beginning. …
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28 October: Exodus in full swing
Flights packed and traffic jams reported on roads leaving Bangkok; Pattaya, Hua Hin, Cha-am, Kanchanaburi main destinations; 1,000 bus trips added to carry more passengers
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Comment by bill on October 27, 2011 at 10:43pm
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Thousands flee Bangkok floods
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More districts evacuated
Chao Phraya to peak at 6pm on Saturday
Floods have become more widespread in many parts of Bangkok and residents in Don Muang, Bang Phlad and Thawi Wattana districts have been urged to evacuate to safety immediately.
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Flooding around Bangkok (acquired October 25, 2011: Instrument: Terra - MODIS)
http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/NaturalHazards/view.php?id=76226
Flood waters continued traveling southward through Thailand on October 25, 2011, prompting authorities to close one of Bangkok’s airports, news reports said. The closure affected not only air travelers, but also the country’s flood relief headquarters, which had been located there.
The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite captured the top image on October 25, 2011 and the bottom image, showing more normal conditions, on November 13, 2008. These images use a combination of visible and infrared light to better distinguish between water and land. Water is dark blue, vegetation is green, urban areas are tan, and clouds are pale blue-green.
Compared to conditions just days earlier, water appears higher northeast of Bangkok on October 25, 2011. Compared to conditions three years earlier (bottom image on this page) substantial flooding occurs all around Bangkok, submerging areas that were dry in 2008.
Days before MODIS acquired the top image, Thailand’s prime minister ordered the opening of key floodgates to allow water to flow through Bangkok canals en route to the ocean. The Associated Press described local concerns that rising tides in the Gulf of Thailand might slow that outflow, causing flooding in Bangkok. Meanwhile, one governor expressed concern about high water levels on the Chao Phraya River, which flows through the city. As of October 25, however, most of the city remained dry.
[References]
* Associated Press. (2011, October 25). Thai floods shut down Bangkok’s second airport, airlines suspend fl... The Washington Post. Accessed October 25, 2011.
* Bangkok Post. (2011, October 25). Don Mueang airport closed, more evacuations. Accessed October 25, 2011.
NASA images courtesy MODIS Rapid Response Team, Goddard Space Flight Center. Caption by Michon Scott.
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Comment by KM on October 26, 2011 at 2:31am
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here is an update on Bangkok airport closure.
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