Bangkok flooding protection measures

As of 2nd of November 2011 instead of saying that water is being drained and everyday is better, we can say that flooding water advances in Bangkok and reaches Pahon Yothin road around intersection of Racha-Yothin which is not a place that should be flooded anyways. Seems all of this happens due to the fact that they are letting the water come in ... ok, prepare the boots and boats! :)

Recent updates, as of Monday 31 October 2011, are saying that the flooding situation will not get any worse than it already is, which is a "happy flooding news" in a way, still sorry for all those under water! The Prime Minister of Thailand said that the flooding in Bangkok is unlikely to get any worse than it is now.

On the other side a bunch of "citizens" (they used "angry villagers" in the news) take the law in their hands as about 500 local residents who earlier on Monday blocked a section of Nimit Mai Road and destroyed part of the canal floodwall in Khlong Sam Wa district. They were demanding the government raise the sluicegate from an 80cm opening to 150cm.

Good job guys! haha + speechless ! ... :-) ... so finally government agreed to their protests.

She said that all the watergates were now controlled, the water level would stabilise over the next day or two.

The floodgate at Khlong Sam Wa would be operated systematically to make sure the Lat Krabang and Bang Chan industrial estates in the east were not affected.

As of 30 October 2011, it seems that Bangkok is a bit more stable in terms of flooding but still the flooding is serious as residents living along canals in parts of northern Bangkok were warned Sunday to be ready to evacuate if needed because of the spread of floods that have so far spared most of the Thai capital.


"The problem is not yet over. It's still serious," said Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra.

"People who live on both sides of canals in Lak Si, Lad Prao, Chatuchak and Bang Khen: be ready to evacuate to safer areas," he said, referring to four northern Bangkok districts.


Based on the latest news, we are still unsure on how the flooding would affect Bangkok city so about 50,000 troops have been deployed in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces under an action plan to protect important establishments from inundation.


The situation is more serious at Charoen Krung road in Yan Nawa district of Bangkok which is now under more than 50 centimetres deep water, the reports said.

The overflow also inundated Songwad road in Bangkok’s Sampantawong district, according to the reports and water level was reported at 50-80 cm.


14 roads were closed in Bangkok due to flooding, and these are:

Northern of Bangkok:
1. Vibhavadi Rangsit: between National Memorial and Lak Si intersection
2. Phahon Yothin: between National Memorial and Soi Phahon Yothin 50
3. Khamphaeng Phet 6 (local road): between the entrance to Muang Ake housing estate to Thung Song Hong intersection
4. Songprapa: between Sri Saman and Kor Sor Bor intersections
5. Weluwanaram: the entire road
6. Liap Khlong Song: between Air Force Palathikarn and Sapan Poon intersections
7. Chantharubeksa: between Air Force Academy and Chantharubeksa intersections

Western Bangkok:
8. Charan Sanitwong: between Bang Phlad intersection and Sirindhorn interchange
9. Arun Amarin: between Arun Amarin intersection and Sirindhorn elevated road
10. Boromratchachonnani:between Pin Klao bridge and Sirindhorn elevated road
11. Boromratchachonnani:between Phutthamonthon 3 and Phutthamonthon 4 intersections
12. Sirindhorn: between Bang Phlat intersection and Sirindhorn elevated road
13. Uthayan: between Uthayan and Phutthamonthon 3 intersections
14. Sala Thammasop: the entire road


Here below there is a map of flooding situation in Bangkok as of 28 Oct 2011

Bangkok flooding update 28 Oct 2011

It said that the highest levels of water will be reached in Chao Phraya river during this weekend and more exactly on Saturday, 29 Oct 2011, after which water is expected to decrease but again, it is not sure yet how hard Bangkok will be hit by the flooding and for how long.

Bangkok flood worse case scenario

Wednesday morning I posted the worst case scenario which was confirmed now in the evening at a Thai local TV station. Now it is not anymore the worst case scenario but it is something that is going to happen in the next hours in Bangkok. Simply said, they tried to stop the water which was not the smartest idea as now there are 4,000 million cubic meters of water running down towards Bangkok city!

The worst case scenario in regards to Thailand and more exactly Bangkok flooding in 2011 is illustrated in the below graphic. So far various areas of Bangkok are already flooded like Don Muang, areas around Chao Phraya river, around Grand Palace and more. There are no floodings in central Bangkok yet (as of 26 October 2011).

Bangkok blooding - worse case scenario 2011

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.

In addition to the scenario presented above, the real situation map is right below in the illustration. 

Bangkok flooding situation - 26 October 2011

Khlong Hok Wa flood barrier is one of the two major barriers that block floodwater runoff from Pathum Thani from surging into the northern part of Bangkok. The other barrier is in tambon Lak Hok of Pathum Thani which connects to Bangkok's Don Muang district.

Floodwater destroyed some earth dykes near Lak Hok flood barrier raising concerns over pressure from a huge volume of water flowing into the city.

Don't forget to drop a note if you have any comments.

Bangkok flood warning for 6 districts

The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has urged Bangkok residents to store tap water for use during the flood crisis.

The dyke along the MWA's Khlong Prapa canal had broken, allowing overflow from Khlong Rangsit to flow into Khlong Prapa, which supplies drinking water for the Bangkok city.

"Still, Bangkok residents should store tap water for use as the flooding this year is worse than expected," he said.


The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration late Sunday issued a warning for people in six districts to prepare for flooding as the huge amount of water from the North continues to bear down on the capital.

The six districts are Don Mueang, Lasksi, Bang Khen, Chatuchak, Bang Sue and Sai Mai.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra warned residents to remove their belongings and cars to higher ground.

The Nonthaburi high amount of water is to arrive in Bangkok in the next several days. Residents in western Bangkok and adjacent districts of Nakhon Pathom face a challenging week, with massive run-off heading their way from Nonthaburi.

The flooding and disaster situation map as of 24 October 2011 is right below;

Bangkok water disaster map

Google Crisis Response - Thailand flooding map

Google Crisis Response - Thailand flooding map

The huge amount of water is flowing down to Bangkok and people should prepare for possible flooding, the Thailand Prime Minister said on Saturday (22 October) morning.
 

Bangkok to be flooded

Updated: 21 October 2011

From a 90% chance of no flood in Bangkok yesterday, seems that we are going to a 90% chance that Bangkok will be flooded as the City Hall agreed today to open the canals for drainage - 21 October 2011.

The floods are the worst that Thailand met in at least 5 decades. It is estimated that  water will flow into the Bangkok city area tonight (Friday). Government is trying to channel it out to the sea through the eastern and western outskirts of the capital.

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.
Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra last night issued a flood warning to residents in Thung Si Kan and Don Muang subdistricts in Don Muang district and Thung Song Hong subdistrict in Laksi district.

It is the second warning from the governor in addition to the first order made on Wednesday to seven other districts, but the previous warning was for people to relocate their belongings to high ground only.

He advised people in the three subdistricts to take shelter at Wat Donmuang, Prachautid, Wat Welu Wanaram, Bumrungrawiwanwittaya, Prempracha, and Phahon Yothin schools in Don Muang and Tungsonghong Witthaya, Bangkhen, Kehatungsonghong Witthaya, Wat Laksi and Kankahathasai schools in Laksi.

The governor said the second warning was in response to water overflowing along Khlong Prapa and leaks in barriers in Laksi.

Bangkok draining out map

The announcement came hours after City Hall and the goverment agreed to a plan to drain the northern runoff through Bangkok's canals.

MR Sukhumbhand said yesterday that all the flood gates in Bangkok had been opened to accommodate the government's flood management plan.

A lot of people choose to park the cars on the express ways for the fear of floods. 

This is taken near Rangsit market which is flooded

Previous days updates
1. Bangkok flooding unavoidable : http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/bangkok-flooding-reported-as.html
2. Eastern Bangkok sacrificed : http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/thailand-eastern-bangkok-sacrificed.html

Bangkok flooding reported as unavoidable

Bangkok flooding reported as unavoidable

Latest updates on the situation for Thursday, 20 October 2011, are saying that a vast amount of floodwater will definitely occupy Bangkok as several sections of the floodwall along the Raphipat canal have been damaged. This comes from a Royal Irrigation Department (RID) engineering division chief for Northern Rangsit.

There were cracks from the first to the fifth canal and floodwaters had already surged into Pathum Thani's Khlong Luang and Thanyaburi districts, RID officials said.

"The water will certainly reach Bangkok because the barricades surrounding the Chulalongkorn floodgate are not as strong as the dykes at Raphipat." 
Mr. Chuchart said.

News coming in at around 5:00PM Bangkok time says different tho in regards to Bangkok flooding.


About 90 per cent of Bangkok will not be flooded, Justice Minister and Flood Relief Operations Centre director Pracha P. said on Thursday afternoon.

"I'm confident that 90 per cent of Bangkok will not be flooded but authorities will continue monitoring the remaining 10 per cent of the capital city."

"After overseeing the flood situation from helicopter this morning, the situation remains stable," Pol Gen Pracha said after visiting a temporary shelter in Don Mueang airport.

The people living in the inner Bangkok should not be worried about the flooding.



* Eastern Bangkok sacrificed: http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/thailand-eastern-bangkok-sacrificed.html

* Previous days updates and maps are here: http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/thailand-capital-bangkok-flooded-19-oct.html

Thailand Eastern Bangkok sacrificed flooded - October 2011

Eastern Bangkok sacrificed

Updated: 20.Oct.2011
In order to try to save the economic heart of the capital from flooding, the government has finally opted to use the eastern part of Bangkok to drain massive amounts of floodwaters from the northern outskirts. The drainage of floodwaters through eastern Bangkok will affect seven of its districts, namely Sai Mai, Klong Sam Wa, Kannayao, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Bang Khen and Nong Chok.

All six districts of Nonthaburi province are now flooded with Bang Bua Thong and Pak Kret districts being the worst hit. I know people living around Bang Bua Tong and they are staying in the houses at the second floor as the first floor is all flooded. Some were more lucky and took the value objects up to the second floor, others just saw their kitchen and living rooms flooded with all the furniture and electronics in.

In regards to the drinking water The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority has declared tap water in the capital safe after failing to find hazardous chemicals that may have leaked from inundated industrial parks in Ayutthaya and Pathum Thani.

The most updated map is here below and it shows how the goverment plans to divert the water to East and West through 3 canals.

Bangkok flood - water redirection for saving Bangkok city

Bangkok - flood danger areas

Previous days updates and maps are here: http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/thailand-capital-bangkok-flooded-19-oct.html

(These information comes from various sources that I read like newspapers and internet)

Thailand capital Bangkok flooded 19 Oct 2011

Latest updates here: http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/thailand-eastern-bangkok-sacrificed.html

Bangkok is getting flooded already, City Hall has advised residents of over 200 households outside Bangkok's floodwalls along Khlong Hok Wa canal in Sai Mai district to evacuate to two temporary shelters on Wednesday.

Thai flooding news are saying that seven districts of Bangkok are at high risk of flooding and people in the areas should move their belongings to higher places.

The districts are Lat Krabang, Nong Chok, Minburi, Klong Samwa, Kannayao, Sai Mai and Bangkhen.

Below here there is a map of flooding including the danger level.

Thailand: Bangkok and surroundings flooding 2011 - danger areas in the city

Are you flooded? Where are you? Leave a comment

Thailand and Bangkok flooding

Updated: 19.Oct.2011

Flood is in Bangkok already, as of 19 Oct 2011.

Afternoon 19 October:

Vibhavadi Rangsit road flooded

The flooding in Nonthaburi province (nearby Bangkok) has reached a critical level, with all districts now inundated, the provincial governor said on Wednesday. Future Park Rangsit mall is also closed today and will be closed tomorrow as well due to floodings.


This being said shall we expect water in Bangkok city? Yes or yes?


Last night (Tuesday) Thai TV presented news in English but the way of speaking was quite unclear and a bit around the subject which may be normal for how things are spoken here but certainly does not give an answer for the Bangkok population.

People working at the many flooded factories will not loose their jobs and will receive monthly income from the Social Security Fund. So far the foreign companies do not plan to close any factories, and we are talking about Canon, Honda and more.


Morning 19 October:
The industrial estate Nava Nakorn is completely submerged and the residents forced to fee the area. Nonthaburi province residents in three tambons of Pak Kret district have been told to prepare to evacuate after water runoff from Pathum Thani surged into the area.

Authorities reported that the rapid increase in flood levels was caused by excess water overflowing the Phraya Banlue water gate in Nonthaburi's Bang Bua Thong district. Floods in certain areas have risen above three (3) metres.


In protection of Bangkok city the six-kilometre-long dykes were built to a height of 2.5m above the mean sea level and more are under construction with 500,000 sandbags.

But that seemed not to be enough for the campaign as Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the BMA needed 2 million sandbags for the dyke in 48 hours. The BMA can produce 250,000 more per day and the government has promised to supply 1 million more.

"We need to make the barrier wider and stronger. That is our objective today," the governor said.



Afternoon 18 October:
It seems that the water level at Pak-kret Municipality, on the north of Nonthaburi, at noon was up two centimetres from yesterday according to a reporter who lives in Pakkret and has been inspecting the water level at noon for the past six days.

The current is swift and strong. It takes about 2 hours for the water mass from Pakkret to reach the heart of Bangkok.

Morning 18 October:
The flooding in Thailand and North part of Bangkok continues as of 18 October 2011. Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand P. has warned that the capital city could be hit by floods tomorrow (Wednesday), as a large volume of northern runoff has been flowing into Khlong Rangsit, putting the north of the city at risk.
The torrent of water is expected to reach old airport, Don Meuang, within tomorrow.

The government had alerted City Hall that they could no longer hold back the flood water and that they could not reduce the amount flowing into Khlong Rangsit, Khlong 8 and Khlong 9 in neighbouring Pathum Thani province.

Not sure exactly where to expect the water in Bangkok city and I certainly hope that not in all the streets!


The Nava Nakorn Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani has become the latest casualty of flooding as some parts of the estate have been hit by northern runoff, prompting the government to issue immediate evacuation alerts for workers and nearby residents.

Torrents of northern runoff on Monday breached an embankment in the north of the industrial estate near Khlong Chiang Rak, submerging more than 10 manufacturing plants.

Older news here: http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/thailand-under-water-heavy-flooding.html

Thailand under water - heavy flooding

Thailand under water - heavy flooding (daily report of Thai floods 2011)

Further updates are here: http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/thailand-and-bangkok-flooding.html

17.OCT.2011

I found out in the Thai flooding news that the flood protection dyke at Nava Nakorn Industrial Estate has five metre rupture so The National Flood Relief Centre announces halt of factory operations at Nava Nakorn Industrial Estate, orders evacuation of the workers and nearby residents in this area.

While trying to protect the capital Bangkok and the industrial sites the high tide causes 1-2 metre flood in Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi - another barrier shored up to protect Navanakorn Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani.

Bangkok governor, Mr. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, has calmed fears over heavy floods in the capital, he said that the situation is not yet critical even tho water levels in the Chao Phraya river hit a record yesterday (Sunday)









16.OCT.2011

The Factory Land Industrial Estate in Ayutthaya's Wang Noi district, the last factory in Ayutthaya which had earlier survived flooding, has finally succumbed to flood Sunday.

Currently, all five industrial estates in Ayutthaya are under water, including four industrial estates - Saha Rattana Nakhon, Bang Pa-in, Rojana, and Hi-Tech - earlier hit by flooding. All five industrial estates are valued at about 200 billion baht in total investment capital and employ more than 200,000 workers.

Meanwhile, the National Flood Relief Centre is still confident that Navanakhon Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani can be spared from flooding.



14.OCT.2011
Chances for precipitations are high (60%-80%) in the next days in Thailand. In the same time the Prime Minister instructed authorities to hastily dredge the canals in West of Bangkok for discharging the flood water into the sea via the ThaChin river and so to prevent flooding of the Bangkok city.

Many of the car owners in Bangkok decided to park their car(s) in the public parkings (shopping malls, Suwarmabhumi airport and more) for keeping it safe in case of flood.

Khon Kaen has been declared a disaster zone as the water dam is under high pressure from the water being at a very high level.


13.OCT.2011
The Hi-Tech industrial Estate in Ayutthaya is now flooded and it can not be protected. Day by day waters are coming towards Bangkok more and more. “The government will do its best to protect the city, but we can only build the barrier,” said Kittiratt, who last week described the deluge as the worst in at least 50 years. “If the water level exceeds the barrier, there is a chance the inner part of Bangkok will be flooded.”

It is still about a 10% chances that Bangkok inner city will be more or less flooded, authorities mentioned that they would issue warnings tho.


12.OCT.2011
There were several parking spaces made available for the cars, for example Suwarnaphumi airport has a large parking building which is made available to the citizen who wants to park their cars as flooding came in many areas of country and Bangkok.

On another side Thailand's Prime Minister can not confirm that Bangkok can escape the flood, due to uncontrolled factors - says government doing its best. Now the government has ordered every available measure be taken to protect Bangkok's inner-city commercial and residential districts from flooding as torrents of northern run-off began to sweep through floodwalls in outer suburbs, inundating many communities.


Residents from Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Prakan and Chachoengsao were warned on Wednesday (11.Oct) to watch out for more flooding.

Northern run-off is expected to reach Bangkok between Friday and Monday at a time when there are also expected to be high sea tides.


A total of 281 people were confirmed dead and two people were missing in the floods that have inundated many provinces since July 25, Wibul Sanguanpong, director general of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, said on Wednesday.


Here is a link from BBC showing the flooding in pictures: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11627584


11.OCT.2011
I was informed this morning that the flooding water reached Bangkok around Bang Bua Thong region and in some places the water is up to knees level as the Chao Phraya river fury continues. In Nakhon Sawan province (North of Bangkok) the municipal authorities and soldiers were racing to salvage the province's economic centre after the Chao Phraya River burst through an embankment in the heart of the city yesterday morning.

See here a video with Ayutthaya (old capital) flooded - not far from Bangkok.




10.OCT.2011
Currently, as 10th of October 2011, many of Thailand's provinces are flooded due to the heavy rain which caused the Chao Phraya river to flow out. Ayutthaya province seems the most affected by the flooding including factories which had to stop working and world heritage sites which are endangered now. There are several provinces under water and the danger gets closer to Bangkok.

About 261 people have died since late July in flood-related incidents, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said. Some 2.3 million people have been affected in the worst flooding to hit parts of Thailand in 50 years, mainly in the centre, north and northeast.

Drop me a line in case you have any question: contact me here!

Heavy clouds on Bangkok downtown; in the background is Bayoke Sky Tower, tallest building in Thailand.

Bangkok loaded with heavy rain clouds - 2011

Further updates are here: http://my-asia-travels.blogspot.com/2011/10/thailand-and-bangkok-flooding.html

Saphan Kwai funny little in-convenience in Bangkok

Saphan Kwai (Bangkok) - funny little (in)convenience

Saphan Kwai ( สะพานควาย ) is a major intersection in Bangkok and a well known place for night-life entertainment, mostly clubs and bars, thai versions of go-go bars. It is a convenient place since it is along the BTS line near the BTS train station with the same name.

It is a place constantly under development, like most of Bangkok is and for that reason you may find some construction sites around. One of them got my attention on the weekend. I was just passing by, annoyed by the noise as they are building a condo (another apartment) around there. Here is the must-to-have image of thai apologies in regards to the inconvenience caused by the construction site.

At Saphan Kwai in Bangkok - (in) convenience .....

I find this very funny, so they are sorry for convenience. The convenience is defined as anything that is intended to save resources (time, energy) or frustration, in other words something that is rather comfortable while the inconvenience is defined as something that bothers creating discomfort, annoyance, nuisance.

Building a I-don't-even-know how many million of dollars condominium building didn't left any money for the words "in" to compose "inconvenience" :-))))))))

I'll be back with more of Bankok funny series, it is everywhere.

Bangkok China Town - Vegetatian food festival

Bangkok Chinatown - Vegetarian food festival

The Thailand vegetarian food festival is happening this year at the end of September and beginning of October (2011) so this is a great opportunity to enjoy the foods in China town. Bangkok's China town is also called Yawarat because it lays along the Yawarat road. It is a nice place to visit but quite hot area of Bangkok and there are many narrow streets where you can find all kind of foods and merchandise on sale and wholesale.

From needles to shoes, purses, beauty accessories, bags, cosmetics, watches and gold they have everything in Yawarat.

Below here are a few pictures taken on Saturday, 02 October 2011 in the middle of the vegetarian food festival.

See if you can recognize any of those delicious vegetarian foods and drop a comment.

Yawarat China Town - entry gate

Vegetarian food festival logo

These are spring rolls in China town

Dumplings - these are quite good to try

Banners all over China town to announce the vegetarian festival

I told you there are purses too

Black duck? vegetarian? :) no way!

China town temple, in the backstreets of Yawarat

Romanian Embassy in Thailand

Romanian Embassy in Thailand - updated information for 2011 onwards

Romanian Embassy in Thailand is in Bangkok at the following address.


3388/41 Sirinrat Office Building, Office 12 D, 12th Floor,
Rama IV Road
Khlong Tan Subdistrict, Khlong Toey
Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Phone : +66 (2) 240.2522
Fax     : +66 (2) 240.2550
Email   : romembnk@ksc.th.com

Ambasada Romaniei in Thailanda - informatii actualizate pentru 2011

Please leave a comment shall you have updated information.