Floods: No repeat of disaster year 2011

The chances of Bangkok experiencing severe flooding this year are extremely slim, the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) said. This is due to the fact that the amount of water coming from the North and flowing through the Chao Phraya River is considerably less than in the disaster year 2011.

Quantities of water that are normal for the time of the year are measured at the Chao Phraya dam in Chai Nat province, as is the monitoring station in Bang Sai (Ayutthaya). There the water flow is 1.040 cubic meters per second; Bangkok should not start worrying until 2.800 is measured.

The optimistic forecast is further based on the amount of water in Thailand's two main reservoirs, Bhumipol (Tak) and Sirikt (Uttaradit). They can handle a lot.

RID director-general Lertviroj Kowattana says five storms are needed for the country to see a repeat of 2011. But that chance is extremely small; the Meteorological Department is forecasting only one storm [this rainy season]. Nevertheless, Lertviroj remains alert.

It is important to continue to monitor the situation closely until the end of October. We expect the largest volume of water from the North to reach 2.000 cubic meters of water [per second] in Nakhon Sawan, which is normal for September when water flow is always peaking. Rain showers in Bangkok could cause flooding in some sensitive areas, but they won't be flooded for long.'

The RID has issued flood warnings for the seven provinces of the Central Plains (map): Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Lop Buri and Ayutthaya. These provinces are low so that they are the hare every year.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has warned XNUMX counties in the southern Central Plains and South of heavy downpours. You also have to be careful at sea. The showers will continue until Monday. According to the RID, rapid rescue teams are on standby.

(Source: bangkok mail, September 10, 2014)