Bangkok Floods, 13th November, 2011-Inner-city residents get ready as water nears

[StrontiumDog]

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nati...-30169793.html

Inner-city residents get ready as water nears

NUTDANAI CHARASJIRAWAT,
JIRAPORN PHETDEE

THE NATION ON SUNDAY November 13, 2011 1:08 am



People living near the Victory Monument have been told to prepare for flooding, which could reach the area in a week.

The atmosphere in the neighbourhood is calm, but if you look around carefully you will see the changes that have occurred as the flood crisis has built.

One local resident captured the change in an account of a friend's new business line.

"Usually, she sells gift items and accessories," Kochaphan Komnanukij, a friend of a woman who sells gift items, accessories and boots at the Center One department store, told The Nation. "When she heard that the flood waters were heading here, she prepared by wearing boots. Her customers asked her about her boots and Magic Pants - plastic trousers that protect your feet and legs up to your waist - so she started selling boots and Magic Pants.

"They sold out very quickly, requiring restocking two times a day; the price will depend on how bad the flooding gets."

Despite the imminent flooding, for vendors on the Rajvithi Hospital side of Victory Monument it's business as usual, with few outward signs of anything out of the ordinary.

"I can't let the news that the floods are coming affect the whole of my business," said Arissara Mapuag, owner of the Budsabong shoe store, who claimed not to be worried about the looming flood.

"I won't allow myself to be brought to a standstill by the flood crisis. It's a natural disaster, so nobody can stop it. If the floods arrive, I think it'll give me a chance to travel to the Northern region and make merit, which I haven't done it for a long time," she said.

Although there have been transport problems, Arissara said she had been able to adapt.

"The customers are still buying shoes at my shop; there are always people travelling and changing buses here," said the shop owner.

Victory Monument's cluster of noodle shops will be affected.

"Our customers are decreasing in number, of course, but we're still selling noodles," said Nopporn Boonsanong, owner of the Anong noodle shop. "We have a steady supplier for the ingredients, so we're ready if it floods. We've prepared a plaster floodwall in front of our shop and have raised the electricity lines."

People in many walks of life have been affected by this flood crisis. Kornkwan Vutinuntakasame, a student at Thammasat University, said her life had changed since the flood hit her home around the Ratchayothin area.

"I have had to change my plans, since the next semester has been moved from November to January," she said.

"Right now, the water level is stable around my home but I think if it reaches the level of the electricity system, it's time to evacuate; without electricity it's harder to live," she admitted.

Graeme Turnball, an Australian businessman residing in Thailand, was critical of officials, commenting: "I think now it's a political game. They should help people more than this. It's all propaganda out there; they try to get what they want by using the advertising."

Residents of areas near the Victory Monument are a good example of the way human beings can turn a crisis into an opportunity, provided they prepare themselves to face the problems.

[StrontiumDog]

Flood situation improving: PM - The Nation

Flood situation improving: PM

The Nation on Sunday November 13, 2011 2:05 am


Yingluck non-committal on inner Bangkok; Ban, Clinton to visit Bangkok on Wednesday

The flood situation in Bangkok is getting better with water receding in many places, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said yesterday, although she declined to say how far the flood water would stray into inner Bangkok and whether the Bangchan Industrial Estate will be safe.

Yingluck said the flood situation in Bangkok would be less severe than in the provinces, although there will be a high-tide period in mid-November. She said water drainage in the west of Bangkok needs further improvement.

Answering a reporter's question on how far she expected the water to reach inner Bangkok, the premier said, "It's difficult to say. I have to see the situation on November 13 [today] first as we are doing something to prevent the flood and we need to see to what extent it works."

If the water is drained to Saen Saeb Canal and the sluice watergate can work well, everything would be all right, she said.

Earlier, in her weekly television and radio programme, the prime minister said the "big bag" barriers - the temporary flood-prevention dykes made from 1-2 tonne sandbags - could delay water coming from the north of Bangkok, allowing time for better water management to the east of the capital.

Yingluck said she had ordered the Royal Irrigation Department to drain the water in the upper areas of the big-bag line to Rangsit Canal and then to the sea as soon as possible. Besides the order for the Interior Ministry to give help and compensation to residents of the areas affected by the use of big bags, which would slow down water drainage from their areas, the government had provided 70 large pumps, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's request, so that water can be drained faster.

The water drainage must be done quickly while the sea tide is not so high, she said.

In the west of Bangkok, Yingluck said, the repair of broken dykes at 14 points was expected to be finished by the weekend. If successful, then water trapped in Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and the west of Bangkok should recede.

It is hard to make the west of Bangkok flood-free as the dyke system on this side is not as strong as in the east of Bangkok, she said. Moreover, the canal system was aligned in a vertical direction. The government had ordered canal dredging to expedite water drainage to the sea, Yingluck added.

The Transport Ministry is expediting recovery of road No 340, which was earlier flooded, to serve as a back-up road to the South in case Rama II Road becomes unusable, she said.

Regarding compensation, Yingluck said the Cabinet on Tuesday had approved Bt3.1 billion assistance for over 600,000 households in 30 districts of Bangkok. Each household would get Bt5,000 within 45 days.

Meanwhile, over 470,000 flood victims, or 90 per cent of the total, in 36 provinces have already received compensation. The Government Savings Bank would give the money to the remaining victims by Tuesday, she said.

Up to Bt30,000 assistance would be paid if a victim's house is fully damaged; up to Bt20,000 would be paid in case of partial house damage; up to Bt25,000 assistance in case of death and up to another Bt25,000 in case of death of the head of the family, she said.

Yingluck said the flood situation in the central region was improving, with many provinces having almost returned to normal, including Ayutthaya, Nakhon Sawan, Sing Buri and Ang Thong. Some provinces had organised "big cleaning day" campaigns to clean up their provinces and bring them back to normal.

Yingluck expressed gratitude for help from foreign countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands and the United States and also thanked the MPs for the vote on the first reading of the 2012 Budget Bill. She promised the money would be used transparently and for the best benefit of the people.

On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will visit Thailand. They will visit flood-affected areas in Bangkok in separate missions before discussing assistance to Thailand, Yingluck said.

She would also clarify the country's plan in different phases: rescue, restore and rebuild, she said.

Yingluck said she was scheduled to attend the Asean Summit in Bali from Thursday to Saturday. She said she would clarify to the international community the flood situation and rehabilitation plan so as to rebuild confidence in Thailand among foreign investors.

During the Summit, she will also meet US President Barack Obama, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Chinese President Hu Jintao.

[StrontiumDog]

Sukhumbhand: Dry city by New Year - The Nation

Sukhumbhand: Dry city by New Year

THANATPONG KHONGSAI
THE NATION ON SUNDAY November 13, 2011 2:06 am



Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said yesterday that he would see to it that all roads and sois in the capital are dry as a New Year gift for Bangkokians.

However, he yesterday warned residents in Prawet, Saphan Sung and Bangkok Yai districts to move their belongings to higher ground and prepare for possible evacuation.

Yesterday afternoon, Sukhumbhand boarded a 10-wheel truck to hand out relief bags and inspect conditions along Bang Khae district's Buddha Monthon 2 Road, which has been flooded for two weeks. The water has receded by 10cm but is now very polluted, so the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)'s Environment Office brought three water tanks containing EM (effective micro-organisms) water to treat the flood water.

Sukhumbhand said he had announced 22 additional communities in Prawet and Saphan Sung districts as flood-watch areas. He said the additional areas in Bangkok Yai were: Tha Phra sub-district's Soi Phetchkasem 15,16,17,17/1, 18 and 18/1; Wat Arun sub-district's Soi Issaraparp 33 and 42, Ananthabhum, Wat Nakklang, Wat Mai Wichien, the Trok Ta-an communities on Issaraparp Road as well as the Wat Kreuwal, Pok Arun, Wat Moleelokayaram communities on Arun Amarin Road; and Wat Tha Phra sub-district's Soi Ratchadapisek 25 and Soi Charansanidwong 3, 7/1, 9, 9/1, 11, 12, 14.

Saying the flood situation should improve within two weeks if there was no more runoff, he said the "Big Bag" floodwall had helped staunch the flow of water. He urged people not to destroy floodwalls or take any action before talking with authorities. "This New Year, I want to give a gift to people: My goal is to have Bangkok dry in all areas, not just main roads but also the sois," he said.

In order to tackle the flooding in western Bangkok, Sukhumbhand said the city's flood-mitigation meeting yesterday proposed diverting the flood water into Rajamontri and Sanam Chai canals and to the Mahachai-Sanam Chai "monkey cheek" water-retention area. Water from Bang Bon canal would be pushed through the Ekkachai sluice gate to prevent severe flooding on Rama II Road of the kind that swamped Vibhavadi and Phetchakasem roads, he added. The BMA also asked the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to install more water pumps to assist flood-affected people in western Bangkok, he said.

The BMA also had 34 water-tank trucks spray EM liquid to treat polluted flood water resulting from mounting garbage piles. Garbage collection is being done by boat, and is proceeding slowly. He said the BMA had managed to collect 900 tons of garbage - or 47 per cent of all garbage in the city. The authority yesterday started to provide 170 trucks to transport people around flooded areas on 21 routes through Bangkok from 6am to 10pm everyday, Sukhumbhand said, adding that it was also preparing a project to bring flood evacuees home.

The BMA reported that 494,893 people in 12 Bangkok districts have been affected by the floods caused by northern runoff. Sai Mai district had the most flood victims at 87,229, followed by Don Mueang (86,561), Phasee Charoen (51,920), Lak Si (51,226), Bang Phlad (51,055), Bang Khae (36,250) and Nong Khaem (35,852).

As of yesterday, Vibhavadi, Phaholyothin and Kasetsart University roads had seen flood water lowered by 5cm-20cm, while Borommaratchachonnani Road (from Central Pinklao mall to Sirindhorn Elevated Way) and Somdet Phrapinklao Road were under 30cm of water. Arun Amarin Road from Arun Amarin Intersection to Siriraj Hospital and to the Rama VIII Bridge were under some 50cm of water. However, Prawet district reported a high water level in Prawet Burirom canal and 30cm-deep water in some communities on On Nut and Pattanakan roads, such as Muangthong Garden Ville in Soi Pattanakarn 65.

In related news, Airports of Thailand chairman ACM Sumet Phomanee yesterday said officials were speedily repairing key parts of Don Mueang Airport targeted for early re-opening. It was expected that, after the "Big Bag" floodwall was completed to protect the airport's eastern runways on Tuesday, and the floodwater had subsided, it would take 60 days to repair the airport in full. He expressed 100-per-cent confidence that Suvarnabhumi Airport would be safe from flooding.

Meanwhile, Siriraj Hospital yesterday urged its medical staff to report to their supervisors by Wednesday on whether they would be able to continue working, in order to plan services to support incoming patients.

[StrontiumDog]

Volunteers 'needed' - The Nation

Volunteers 'needed'

Pravit Rojanaphruk
The Nation on Sunday November 13, 2011 2:06 am



Despite the decreasing flood-water in some areas, volunteers are still needed to help with relief and recovery efforts in many provinces, including Bangkok, red-shirt volunteer leader Sombat Boon-ngam-anong said.

Sombat, who is also president of the Thai Mirror Foundation and operates the largest red-shirt volunteer effort at the National Stadium, said both Thais and foreign volunteers as well as donations are still welcome. Particularly needed are people who can also engage in some coordination work.

Sombat suggested that people who are not affected by the floods could use part of their annual leave or take leave for a week to help with the volunteer efforts organised by various groups.

Despite being leader of the Red Sunday Group of the red shirts, Sombat said he was not wearing his red shirt hat and shrugged off the political feud weeks ago.

"I understand the nature of politicians," he said, referring to the on-going blame game.

"The government says they have done their best while the opposition seeks to bring down the government. That being the case, they won't stop. But I just want to get things done first."

Those who want to work as volunteers with Sombat can contact the foundation at 090-418-0525 to 29 or donate goods at the National Stadium

[StrontiumDog]

Petition over barrier not a political stunt: Karun - The Nation

Petition over barrier not a political stunt: Karun

The Nation on Sunday November 13, 2011 2:09 am

The Pheu Thai Party MP for Bangkok's Don Muang district yesterday denied politics was behind a petition by local residents against the city administration's "Big Bag" giant sandbag floodwall.

Karun Hosakul yesterday met Pracha Promnok, who heads the National Flood Relief Operation Centre (FROC), at its headquarters. The MP said later that people were upset that the floodwall increased water levels on their side of the barrier. He insisted their complaint was not incited by any politician.

Pracha said he had not obtained any petition from Don Muang residents. He also said the flooded Highways 9 and 340 should be restored later yesterday - as an alternative to Rama II to the South.

However, Highways Department chief Wanchai Paklak said later the restoration of Highway 340 (Bang Bua Thong-Suphan Buri) would take one to two days to complete.

[StrontiumDog]

Other Nation updates... click the link...

Vocational training
The secretary-general of the non-formal education promotion office said yesterday the Education Ministry had allocated Bt490 million to provide vocational training for people affected by the flooding.

Vaccines for pet bites
Public Health Minister Witthaya Buranasiri yesterday warned volunteers taking care of flood-affected pets or stray animals to be careful not to get bitten or scratched and to immediately get a rabies vaccination if bitten.

EM balls
SCG (Thailand) Co Ltd invited people with volunteer spirit to make one million EM balls to assist residents still affected by flooding and polluted flood water.

Courts closed this week

Fees cut for students

[StrontiumDog]

Bangkok Post : Big bag barrier under threat

Big bag barrier under threat

RESIDENTS THREATEN PROTESTS, FORCE OPEN WALL TO RELEASE WATER

• Published: 13/11/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The government's big bag barrier, credited with sparing inner Bangkok from flooding, is under threat.


A workman wrestles one of the huge Big Bag sandbags into line.

Residents of Don Muang district say the barrier is prolonging flooding in their area, and are threatening protest action. They demand the government say how much longer they will have to live with the floodwater.

Thinnakorn Janya, head of the residents of Yucharoen housing estate, said he and 20 community leaders from nearby estates will meet at 9am today to discuss what action to take.

They are considering three options: blocking the Don Muang Tollway, holding a prolonged protest on the crest of the barrier, or rallying outside parliament.

The leaders will vote at today's meeting to decide which of these measures to take.

Mr Thinnakorn said residents wanted the government to come up with an action plan to ease flooding in their areas where the big bag barrier, built from sandbags weighing 2.5 tonnes each, has retained floodwater for many days.

"They are swamping us with water. If we weren't in such despair, we wouldn't be shouting for help," he said.

Mr Thinnakorn said the government must clarify the amount of time it would take to pump out water inside the barrier.

"When will our area be dry again? We've been underwater for three weeks now," he said. Mr Thinnakorn discounted claims by local MP Karun Hosakul of the ruling Pheu Thai Party that only 10,000 people live inside the barrier.

Mr Karun yesterday met Flood Relief Operation Commands (Froc) chief Pracha Promnok to discuss the residents' complaint following a report that up to 80,000 people had signed a petition demanding the big bags' removal.

He claimed that only 10,000 people had signed the petition.

Mr Thinnakorn said that number referred only to those officially registered as householders of each property, but in reality many more share the homes.

Mr Karun said many residents in the district have endured suffering as a result of the installation of the big bags.

The big bag barrier has formed a vast belt encompassing 20 residential estates along the northern railway line and across Don Mueang airport and parts of Phahon Yothin Road.

The authorities insisted the big bags helped slow water flowing into the city from the North, granting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) enough time to drain water from the canals that protect inner Bangkok.

The erection of the big bag barrier, however, provoked an angry response from communities surrounded by it.

The pressure prompted authorities to remove some bags and make a gap of two metres in the barrier to release water. The gap was later widened to six metres. However, yesterday the gap was sealed.

Mr Thinnakorn said it was unclear who closed the gap.

He and about 200 residents worked to open the gap back to six metres again with their bare hands yesterday in the presence of police and soldiers.

The water behind the barrier was 60cm higher than water outside it.

Mr Thinnakorn insisted the residents were not pressing to have the barrier removed.

Rather, the authorities should map out a blueprint to control water flow from North and siphon water from housing estates by, for example, creating small gaps at intervals along the barrier.

The barrier should also be built in a chamber system so the water could be better manipulated.

He said authorities lack an integrated flood management plan, which left some areas inundated for extended periods.

Mr Thinnakorn said the big bags restricted people's freedom of mobility, which is against the law.

"Our boats can't get past the bags and boats are the people's only mode of transport around here," he added.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the big bags were an effective water management tool, but he was concerned some residents might dismantle the barrier if the floods became too much to bear.

However, he would discuss with the Froc if it was still necessary to keep the big bag barrier.

Seri Suparathit, a water expert at Rangsit University, said the BMA has enough capacity to pump out water and save the inner city even if the gap in the barrier was opened over its entire length.

[StrontiumDog]

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...on-t-be-budged

The 430 evacuees who won't be budged

• Published: 13/11/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Housewife Rossukon Samabutra, 32, walks through darkness in the toilets of flooded Don Mueang airport.


YOU’RE ON YOUR OWN: The Flood Relief Operations Command in Don Mueang left its sign and evacuees behind after the airport was flooded. PHOTO: PIYAPORN WONGRUANG

Mrs Rossukon carries a tank of floodwater she took from the inundated ground floor to begin her daily duty of keeping the toilets clean.

For nearly three weeks, Mrs Rossukon has volunteered to clean the toilets at the airport, where she lives among a group of 430 diehard evacuees who refuse to leave, even though electricity and other essential services no longer function.

It's a hard and dirty job, but Mrs Rossukon says it is necessary or the evacuees will not be able to stay there much longer.

"The floodwaters are still above the waist. How can we get back to our homes?" asked Mrs Rossukon, a resident of nearby Sang Phaitoon community, who is also caring for her two children at the shelter.

The government's Flood Relief Operation Command (Froc) was once based at the airport, but relocated to the Energy Ministry's building when the airport flooded.

The evacuation centre, based in the next building, was among the first to receive evacuees after floods started entering northern Bangkok and nearby provinces.



At one point, the centre was home to thousands of refugees.

But when the airport flooded, and the government decided to relocate its command centre to the Energy Ministry, it also told evacuees that they, too, would have to leave.

They were told to leave for centres in other provinces including western Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi.

Several hundred evacuees, especially those whose houses are close to the centre, remained behind. They are now staying in an airport check-in hall, without electricity or running water.

After the first few days, resources quickly dried up.

A constant electricity supply was the first to go, as generators on the ground floor were flooded.

Water supplies were next, which has forced evacuees to bring in water supplies from outside.

The government provided tents to evacuees, but little else, residents say.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Don Mueang administration office provides them with three meals a day, which arrive by boat.

Sometimes, residents say, the meals have spoiled by the time they reach them.

There are no medical personnel around and if they get sick, they have to take care of one another using first aid before calling a doctor or sending a patient to a hospital.

Several evacuees suspect the state has been trying to send them the message to leave.

Authorities spread word the centre would be closed and nothing more would be provided.

Rumours quickly took hold among residents that they were not wanted.

Authorities broadcast messages to them over a microphone at night, which interrupted residents' sleep.

Yet despite the hardships, this hardy band of flood victims insist they will stay on at the airport, if only because the alternative _ heading back to flooded, damaged homes _ is even less appealing. The evacuees say floodwaters have not yet receded to the point when can return.

They have established five ''villages'' and one ''tambon'' among themselves, to give shape to their community.

Village heads, one chosen for each ''village'', assign responsibilities to their residents. Those include making contact with authorities to ensure that three meals a day are delivered, raising donations from outside, and keeping the place clean and orderly.

Jessada Kongkuntod, a ''kamnan'' at the centre, said evacuees have no choice but to stay for now.

Some make brief visits back to their homes to check on them, but spend the bulk of their time at the centre.

As the airport was flooded, authorities told evacuees very little, other than the fact they were expected to move.

The lack of communication reflected the poor state of preparedness among authorities to handle evacuations for flood victims, he said.

Alternative shelters suggested by the government when it left the airport were not suitable, as they were either too far away, or too cramped. Residents also wanted some assurance that the flood shelters where they were expected to move could accommodate them, as they had heard that some were too crowded, or turning people away.

''The school shelters it provided nearby also flooded, and are too small,'' he said. Asked if the state should do anything more to help, he said: ''We are not keen to ask them to help any more. They are not ready to take care of people properly.''

[StrontiumDog]

Bangkok Post : Bid to clear south routes hits snags

Bid to clear south routes hits snags

• Published: 13/11/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Efforts to clear a crucial link to the South have been delayed.


CAST AWAY: A boy uses a net to try to catch fish in the fast flowing floodwater on Soi 69 of Rama II Road in Bang Khunthian district. PHOTO: PATTANAPONG HIRUNARD

The government hoped to re-open two flood-hit highways as an alternative route to the South in the event that the key route, Rama II Road, is forced to close. However, heavy flooding on the roads has delayed the plan.

Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat said Highway 340 (Bang Bua Thong-Suphan Buri) and Highway 9 (Kanchanaphisek) were supposed to reopen yesterday. However, flooding had forced officials to push back the reopening of the highways at Bang Yai and Sombat Buri-Noppawong intersections until Tuesday.

If Highway 340 is serviceable, motorists bound for the South would be able to drive from Bang Bua Thong through Bang Yai, Suphan Buri and Nakhon Pathom.

Wanchai Phakluck, Highways Department director-general, said the main obstacle was the flood level at the junction between the two highways, which was still high at 60-80cm. Workers are placing concrete pipes and barrels stuffed with sandbags along the highway and pumping water out of it.

But high floodwaters caused concrete pipes to collapse when trucks passed nearby, generating strong waves.

Mr Wanchai said a labour shortage is also a problem as most labourers have been at the task for several days and are now exhausted. Sand and sandbags could only be brought in once a day due to heavy traffic and flooding.

Mr Wanchai said the department had considered using"big bags" _ large sandbags weighing 2.5 tonnes each _ to make a dyke to replace the concrete pipes, but at least 40,000 of the bags would be needed, which was impractical.

Supoj Saplom, Transport Ministry permanent secretary, said the ministry plans to ask the Forest Department and the armed forces to support efforts to return the highways to service.

[StrontiumDog]

Bangkok Post : Floods still spreading in some areas

Floods still spreading in some areas

BANGCHAN ESTATE DEFIES THE ODDS

• Published: 13/11/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Floods have continued to spread, with residents in Prawet, Saphan Sung in eastern Bangkok and Bangkok Yai on the Thon Buri side the latest to be told to prepare for evacuation.

The alert was issued yesterday by Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra.

He urged 22 communities in Prawet subdistrict of Prawet district and Saphan Sung subdistrict of Saphan Sung district to be on full alert for approaching floods.

For Bangkok Yai district on the Thon Buri side, areas under watch include Phetkasem Sois 15, 16, 17, 17/1, 18, and 18/1, Itsaraphap Sois 33 and 42, and Charan Sanitwong Sois 3, 7/1, 9, 9/1, 11, 12 and 14.

Residents are urged to monitor the situation closely, move belongings to higher ground and prepare to evacuate, MR Sukhumbhand said.

The governor said City Hall will resolve the flood problem on the west side by diverting water from Khlong Ratchamontri and Khlong Sanam Chai into the Khlong Maha Chai-Khlong Sanam Chai water retention areas.
Efforts will also be made to divert water from Khlong Bang Bon via the Khlong Ekkachai sluice gate.

The measure is expected to help protect Rama II Road _ the last remaining major route between Bangkok and the South _ from severe flooding, MR Sukhumbhand said. More water pumps will also be deployed to ease the floods on the west side.

"I set a target to make all areas in Bangkok dry before the New Year, as a New Year's gift for the people," he said, adding that without new massive overflow, main roads in Bangkok should dry in two weeks.

Meanwhile, floodwater yesterday continued to rise on Seri Thai Road near Bangchan Industrial Estate in eastern Bangkok.

The water on the road surface was 50cm high while nearby low-lying areas and communities were under between 60 and 70cm of water.

Rising water levels in the canals around the estate became level with the canals' banks. However, the estate has remained largely intact, with only slight seepage.

More than 50 water pumps have been installed in several locations inside the estate as a preparatory measure.

Parallel routes at the 28th kilometre marker of Rama II Road near a bridge across the Tha Chin River were inundated by 30cm of floodwater as a result of high sea tides. The floodwater did not come from northern run-off, however.

The inbound and outbound lanes on the expressway on Rama II were still dry as much of the approaching floodwater flowed into nearby canals and out to the sea at Bang Khun Thian district. However, the floodwater will affect canalside and downstream communities.

The Royal Thai Navy's Hydrographic Department yesterday reported that sea tides were predicted to rise from yesterday until Tuesday.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday said in her weekly radio address that the overall situation in flooded provinces in the central region has been improving.

Floods have receded in Nakhon Sawan, parts of Sing Buri, Ang Thong and Ayutthaya and the clean-up and recovery work had begun in those provinces.

She also said she had told the Interior Ministry to devise remedial measures for residents affected by the big-bag flood barrier in the north of Bangkok.

[StrontiumDog]

TAN tweets this morning...

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Additional 2 road closure due to high flood level: Pattanakarn Rd. Inbound/ outbound, Kamnanman Rd. from Terdthai to Kalapapruek.

BMA orders evacuation in communities of Thonburi Housing Project 1/ Sinsabpattana/ Cheumsamphan, Samaedam Subdistrict, Bangkuntien District.

Nongkham District Chief: the entire area under 1.5M-2M of water, unable to drain off excess water. #Thaifloodeng

Dept of Labor, Protection and Welfare: 903,166 workers affected in this flood crisis nationwide, 4,510 workers lost their jobs.#Thaifloodeng

BMA warns those in Prawes, 22 communities in Saphan Soong Subdristrict, part of Bangkok Yai to be on alert, move belongings to high grounds.

Many areas in BKK see water level decrease; Thaweewattana, Ratchadapisek, Lower end of Hok Wa canal, Vipavadi-Rangsit, Paholyothin. via ASTV

Flood situation critical at Rama II Rd.Soi 69. Water reported at 80cms - 1M. high. Residents in Thonburi housing estate began evacuation.

Stable flood level at Bangchan industrial estate while Lad Krabang industrial park is still dry but remains on high alert. #Thaifloodeng

ABAC Poll: 75% confident in PM Yingluck's handling of flood crisis. Major concern is corruption in rehabilitation programs/ flood donations.

Flood situation improves in Pinklao. Boromratchonnanee-Sirindhorn junction saw 50cms of water. Water decreases consideraby in front of Pata.

ThaiBev to sell drinking water at Wong Wien Yai. 84BHT/ a pack, each with 12 bottles of 600cc, to buy bring ID card. Limited 5 packs/ person

Water level at 5-way Laoprao junction reportedly lower by 10 centimeters.

High tide expected to peak at 9.45AM (2.39M) and 6.27PM (2.03M). Lowest tide at 2.23PM (1.87M) #Thaifloodeng

BTS-MRT operates as usual, SanSab boat service available from Sribunreung-Pratunam 6AM-6.45PM. Chao Phraya express boat to resume Nov 21.

Police Gen Hospital provides medical team for labour care in flood-hit areas. Call 02-2528080, 02-2528700, 02-2076225. via[at]js100radio

Central Plaza Pinklao and Major Cineplex reopens today after water recedes.

PM Yingluck to visit flood-affected residents at Soi Petchkasem 102, after meeting with FROC. The meeting is scheduled at 1PM.

Dear commuters, please note that the exemption of tollway fee, originally expire on Nov 14, has been extended to Nov 20.

Northeast monsoon to intensify. Thundershower and heavy rain likely in the South (east-coast).

Temperature expected to drop by 1-2 °C in the North, the Northeast, the Central and the East, due to active high pressure from China.

[StrontiumDog]

tukky_nt tukky_nt

Traffic closure for in/outbound of throughout Bangkae Rd and Kamnanmaen Rd (from Therdthai-Kanlapapreuk junction) due to high flood #ThaiPBS

11.25am: Rama 2 Soi 69, Bang Khun Tien district, is critical; the deepest level is at 1m; residents speed up to evacuate #ch3

3 communities in Samae Dam sub district ordered evacuation: National Housing estate project 1, Sapsin Pattana, Chueam Samphan

10.55am:Evacuation ordered for 3 communities in SamaeDam subdistrict of BangKhunTien district due to high flood level:BMA #INN

10.45am: Some part of Phaholyothin Rd to Kamphaengphet junction is almost dry, middle lane-10cm; deepest is 30cm.BTS parking lot is dry #ch3

10.45am: Floodwater from Lad Phrao 5-way junction to Phaholyothin, Vibhavadi, and Ratchadapisek gradually recedes #ch3 pic.twitter.com/6UjWZFqc

Bangplad yesterday saw flooding again because the hide tide #ch3

10.25am: MRT and BTS operate as normal; Saen Saeb Boat runs from Wat Sri Boonreung-Pratunam

RT [at]tonravee: Jatujak weekend market and Central Pinklao is open today

Flood toll[Nov 13]:536 death, 2 missing,5.2 million people and 22 provinces affected Disaster and Mitigation Dept. TR [at]MrNaling

9.35am:Water from Tha Chin River breaches earthen dyke, overflowing Royal Police Cadet Academy in Nakhon Pathom #MCOT

[StrontiumDog]

Bangkok Post : Rama II soi 69 sees evacuation

Rama II soi 69 sees evacuation

• Published: 13/11/2011 at 11:29 AM
• Online news:

Flood head continues to inundates several sois along Rama II road and some sois are so deep that residents are advised to evacuate.



Soi 69 is now knee deep and water keeps rising. Some residents begin to evacuate according TV3 live report.

[StrontiumDog]

Bangkok Post : Water receding on main roads

Water receding on main roads

• Published: 13/11/2011 at 11:32 AM
• Online news:

The floodwater at many inundated spots in Bangkok has continued to recede gradually, reports said.

The roads where the water had receded included Ratchadapisek, Vibhavadi Rangsit, and Phahon Yothin.

The outbound lanes of Phahon Yothin road from Lat Phrao intersection to Ratchayothin intersection was still under 30-40 centimetes of water and impassable to small vehicles.

Kaset - Navamin road leading Bang Kapi was flooded to the level of the footpath.

On the Thonburi side of Bangkok, water in Khlong Maha Sawat at Thawi Watthana watergate has been stabilised.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had warned residents in parts of Prawet, Saphan Sung and Bangkok Yai districts to closely watch the situation and be prepared for evacuation.

[StrontiumDog]

Bangkok Post : BMA orders 3 communities evacuated

BMA orders 3 communities evacuated

• Published: 13/11/2011 at 11:47 AM
• Online news:

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration on Sunday issued an announcement declaring three communities off Rama II road in Samae Dam sub-district of Bang Khun Thian district evacuation areas.

They are the Karn Kheha community 1, Sapsin Pattana community, and Chuam Samphan community in Soi 88 off Rama II road.

The residents are advised to remove their belongings and cars to higher ground, raise higher their power outlets, and evacuate to a safe place or a shelter provided by the BMA.

People in need of help can call BMA's flood relief centre at notline 1555 or 02-2211212 around the clock.

[StrontiumDog]

Tulip_Oum Tulip Naksompop

11am Specially made entrance to FROC, water started to send out odor.~[at]jeerapong_nna #thaifloodeng lockerz.com/s/155732675

[StrontiumDog]

Biz_TheNation Biz_TheNation

Bang Kapi flood level should be 10-20 cm due to overflowing at Saen Saep canal

Floods still a concern at Bung Guum, Klong Samwa;water level stabilising at Bang Chan,Minburi

Business districts such as Phya Thai, Khlong Toey, Silom, Sathorn likely to remain dry, according to floods experts

Flood receding at Lak Si,Don Muang; will take 7-10 days to drain main roads dry

[StrontiumDog]

Tulip_Oum Tulip Naksompop

Central Ladprao (Paholyothin side) at noon. #thaifloodeng twitpic.com/7dpmso

[StrontiumDog]

tukky_nt tukky_nt

12.10pm: Kaset-Navamin intersection: yfrog.com/oc848bgj via RT [at]Cake_NBC [at]poom_nna

[StrontiumDog]

Ryn_writes

12.20 : Phraholyothin road near the Elephant building via [at]gupree pic.twitter.com/pxltWJse

[StrontiumDog]

AndrewHurd Andrew Hurd

Khlong Bang Sue running fairly low and slow at Saphan Kwai. Water levels way down around Mor Chit #ThaiFloodEng pic.twitter.com/YrsBoaWK

[StrontiumDog]

TAN_Network TAN News Network

Egg prices at Nakhon Ratchasima province have skyrocketed during the flood situation.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra is confident Bangkok will be dry within two weeks if no more flood waters come in.

[StrontiumDog]

Aim_NT Aim_The Nation

Latprao Wanghin- Chokechai 4 intersection. Lower water but still impassable for small vehicles. 11am TR [at]Boonlert_TV lockerz.com/s/155735581

[StrontiumDog]

StrontiumDog1 StrontiumDog

12.45 Rachada road (Ratchayothin-Lad Phrao) some parts only 10-20cm deep, can see road bit.ly/uLrePE #ThaiFloodEng (via [at]js100radio )

12.45น. ถ.รัชดาฯ (รัชโยธิน-ลาดพร้าว) บางช่วง ระดับน้ำเหลือเพียง5-10ซม. เริ่มเห็นผิวจราจร

[StrontiumDog]

RichardBarrow Richard Barrow

This is the road to Central Pinklao. Looks about knee deep but water has a yellow tinge :-( pic.twitter.com/k5kY9hEk



12:27pm Arun Amarin Intersection is dry & buses running but roads still flooded



Thai Navy doing a good job taking people back to their flooded homes, even going down small sois http://pic.twitter.com/JEk0Ltzg