Vicente brings flash floods to North while filling dams

POST REPORTERS

Tropical storm Vicente yesterday brought heavy rains to several northern provinces, particularly Mae Hong Son which was hit by flash floods and mudslides. In Chiang Mai province, rains inundated several main roads, bringing traffic to a standstill. Areas most at risk of run-off were Fang, Mae Ai, Chai Prakan, Chiang Dao, Wiang Haeng and Phrao districts.

In Mae Hong Son, the tropical storm flooded Pabong village in Muang district. Water in the village was almost two metres deep, making roads impassable.

Bunsri Chaolaekha, of the Mae Hong Son provincial administration organisation, said six villagers were stranded in Ban Pabong as flash floods hit the village. A helicopter was sent to rescue the villagers.

About 2,000 residents in three Muang district villages were cut off as mudslides engulfed a section of a road between Ban Kaenfa and Ban Klang. Several power poles were also damaged.

Mae Hong Son governor Supoj Laowansiri ordered all relevant agencies to be on full alert.

The Meteorological Department yesterday warned people living in the North to brace themselves for possible run-off and mudslides since the tropical storm, centred in Phayao, was moving northwest. At risk were Pai and Pang Ma Pha districts in Mae Hong Son province, Mae Ramat, Tha Song Yang and Mae Sot districts in Tak province and Mae Fa Luang, Mae Chan and Mae Suai districts in Chiang Rai. Evacuation plans have been prepared.

Northeastern provinces including Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nakhon Phanom, Sakhon Nakhon and Mukdahan are also under threat.

In Ayutthaya, the water level in Bang Ban district rose to nearly 50cm, flooding riverside houses.

The Phom Phet historic fort at the confluence of the Chao Phraya and Pa Sak rivers was also flooded.

Anek Sihamart, director of the archaeology office responsible for Ayutthaya, said repair of the historic fort was halted as the water rose.

However, the inundation would not affect the structure of the fort since foundation piles at the front section of the fort had already been built, the director said.

While tropical storm Vicente inundated several areas in the North, the heavy rains had also helped fill major reservoirs in the Northeast that were running dry.

Somporn Damnui, of the Irrigation Office in Udon Thani, said 15 major reservoirs in the northeastern province which were at drastically low levels were now quickly filling.

Trat governor Bunchuay Kerdsukhon ordered Khao Rakam reservoir officials to release water from the reservoir and keep it to 80% of capacity for fear the rains would cause it to overflow.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana yesterday held a meeting with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and relevant agencies to discuss measures to solve flooding, particularly in the capital.

ACM Kongsak said the flood prevention plan would give priority to Bangkok since it was the country's economic hub. Some provinces may have to sacrifice certain areas to build water drainage routes which prevent flooding in Bangkok.

``If we want less damage to Bangkok, water must be held in surrounding provinces. Those provinces will have to makes sacrifices to hold back the floodwaters. More importantly, an integrated approach is needed to tackle the problem,'' said the minister, adding the ministry will be at the centre of efforts to draw up water management strategies.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said the city administration's flood-prevention measures could cope with the flooding. In the short-term, it has coordinated with the Irrigation Department to drain floodwater from the capital.

He said some areas would be set aside for the ``monkey cheek'' water retention project.

Construction of a large drainage tunnel is expected to be completed by the end of next year, said the governor. The tunnel, which will drain water to the sea through Samut Prakan, would help alleviate future flooding threats to the city.

Raining all day again today in Nong Khai.Still,good for the rice crop.

Hope this water is all cleared away by December. Do you think I should pack some fishing waders or maybe a wetsuit? Seriously though, all very worrying. About time old Thaksin invested in some more flood prevention in the northern and north eastern provinces.

Steve,by December they will be worrying about a drought again.

Marcus