Phimai at risk from surge of runoff
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Nakhon Ratchasima area could experience a repeat of 2010 inundation, official warns
Phimai in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima has been warned of some 40 million cubic metres of runoff from three days time – which could revive the 2010 flood scenario, Irrigation Office 8 head Chichanok Somprasert said.
Phimai was hit hard by floods in October 2010, when its stone ruins were a metre under water.
Yesterday’s warning prompted local bodies to dredge channels and clear water-borne weeds to boost draining capacity.
Meanwhile, Supoj Tovichakchaikul, secretary-general of the Office of the National Policy on Water and Flood Management, yesterday affirmed that tropical storm “Nari” would not affect Thailand.
Supoj told the “Yingluck Government Meets the People” weekly national address yesterday that the storm was expected to make a landfall in central Vietnam on Wednesday-Thursday but the high pressure ridge from China on Wednesday would weaken the storm into a tropical depression, so it would not affect Thailand.
Rain during this period would go into reservoirs and dams, ensuring sufficient water for agriculture next year, he said. He assured that water released from Pasak Jolasid Dam – brimming at 112 per cent of capacity – into Chao Phraya River would not affect Bangkok city, as in 2011.
Meanwhile, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department (DPMD) chief Chatchai Promlert said that from September 17, floods had affected just over 3 million people in 42 provinces and that 28 provinces remain submerged.
As for flood prevention at industrial estates, Verapong Chaiperm, governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, said they had integrated flood-watch information with related agencies and prepared tools, including concrete dykes as well as organised drills for personnel.
Areas of concern now were the Khlong Luang basin and Chon Buri’s Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate, but so far they were well supported with water-draining devices from related agencies, he added.
In Ang Thong, where the flood situation has improved, Deputy Minister of Interior Pracha Prasobdee handed out 530 relief bags to affected residents in Pa Mok district. He also inspected flood levels in Muang district.
Prachin Buri’s Kabin Buri and Si Maha Phot districts saw flood levels receding, while 400 families in Prachantakham district were still marooned by two-metre-deep floods. Aid was being sent by boats only.
In Buri Ram, Nang Rong district continued to suffer up to one-metre-deep flooding. Buri Ram disaster prevention and mitigation official Natthawat Onsuwan said 22 districts in the province were declared flood-disaster zones, with a total of 256,847 people affected.
