Flooding around Bangkok - where and how bad
Oct 20, 2011, 1:59 pm
#32
formerly known as 2lovelife
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Phuket has no problems with flooding. Only the normal rainwater drainage issues and some new road work problems from heavy rains. You should not have to cancel any trip. The tourist areas should be fine, even in BKK, I would suspect.
Oct 20, 2011, 5:55 pm
#33
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Warnings are being issued for Lak Si and Don Meuang. There are doubts the Chulalongkorn Flood Control Gate, a lynchpin of flood control, will hold.
On the news last night and in the BP today there's much being made of people who take their cars to elevated roadways, park and walk away. The gov is towing some but the numbers are overwhelming.
In some areas the parked cars are effectively cutting the roadway from 3 to 1 lane.
This is likely part of the cause of delays that seanthepilot was warned about. Of course, with the lower roadways partly flooded in places it pushes more traffic onto the elevated sections, the combination of the two is paralyzing traffic flow.
On the news last night and in the BP today there's much being made of people who take their cars to elevated roadways, park and walk away. The gov is towing some but the numbers are overwhelming.
In some areas the parked cars are effectively cutting the roadway from 3 to 1 lane.
This is likely part of the cause of delays that seanthepilot was warned about. Of course, with the lower roadways partly flooded in places it pushes more traffic onto the elevated sections, the combination of the two is paralyzing traffic flow.
Oct 20, 2011, 5:57 pm
#34
Join Date: Jan 2011
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We're supposed to leave Singapore for Bangkok on Nov 6 and Ayuthaya is in our plans for Nov 9 and River Kwai for Nov 8. Wondering if I should cancel or things will get back to normal in 2 weeks? hmm....problably not eh?
I'm not quite familiar with flooding and monsoons in Asia.
I'm not quite familiar with flooding and monsoons in Asia.
Oct 20, 2011, 7:15 pm
#35
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We're supposed to leave Singapore for Bangkok on Nov 6 and Ayuthaya is in our plans for Nov 9 and River Kwai for Nov 8. Wondering if I should cancel or things will get back to normal in 2 weeks? hmm....problably not eh?
I'm not quite familiar with flooding and monsoons in Asia.
I'm not quite familiar with flooding and monsoons in Asia.
Oct 20, 2011, 8:34 pm
#37
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Oct 20, 2011, 8:53 pm
#38
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U.S. Embassy Flood Update
Email from Bangkok ACS received approximately 9:30 a.m. local time:
October 21, 2011
Flooding continues in central Thailand and is becoming more widespread in the Bangkok Metropolitan area. It is unknown how long these conditions will persist. Water levels are dropping in most other parts of Thailand that have been flooded. As a purely precautionary measure, U.S. citizens assigned to the Embassy who live approximately 12 kilometers north of central Bangkok in Pakred District, Nonthaburi Province have the option of relocating for a few days to central Bangkok, should they wish to do so. Extensive flooding in Thailand, especially in Central Thailand between Bangkok and Sukhotai, has caused considerable damage and loss of life. In many flooded areas, surface transportation has either been suspended or diverted around those areas. Portions of highways are closed and bus and train services linking Bangkok with points to the north are suspended and some routes to the northeast have been diverted.
Since the situation is changing rapidly, we recommend that you monitor local media sources. We are posting general information, guidance about the flood situation, and resources for U.S. citizens on our website at: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/flood_information.html and on the Embassy Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/usembassybkk...39229522811253. Updated notifications with information for U.S. citizens are available via Twitter at @ACSBKK.
If you live within the Bangkok Metropolitan area and are affected by the flooding and need urgent assistance, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s flood hotline at 1555. If you live elsewhere, contact the Thai Government’s English-speaking Tourist Police, who can be reached nationwide by dialing 1155. For general information you can contact the Government Call Center at 1111 ext. 5. For Thai speakers, there are hotlines for trains: 1690; buses: 1490; highway: 1586, 1784; and 1146 for local roads; highway police: 1193, and emergencies: 191. You can see the Thai Meteorological Department’s weather forecasts and warnings at its website, www.tmd.go.th/en/. On Twitter, unverified flood information provided by members of general public is tracked with #ThaiFloodEng.
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html) is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing [email protected]. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai (http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/service.html) is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at [email protected]. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.
For the latest security information, you should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website (http://travel.state.gov), where current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings and health-information resources can be found. You can also obtain up-to-date information on security by calling 1-888-407-4747 (toll free) in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
We encourage you notify us of your presence in Thailand by enrolling in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), available at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
This email is UNCLASSIFIED
Flooding continues in central Thailand and is becoming more widespread in the Bangkok Metropolitan area. It is unknown how long these conditions will persist. Water levels are dropping in most other parts of Thailand that have been flooded. As a purely precautionary measure, U.S. citizens assigned to the Embassy who live approximately 12 kilometers north of central Bangkok in Pakred District, Nonthaburi Province have the option of relocating for a few days to central Bangkok, should they wish to do so. Extensive flooding in Thailand, especially in Central Thailand between Bangkok and Sukhotai, has caused considerable damage and loss of life. In many flooded areas, surface transportation has either been suspended or diverted around those areas. Portions of highways are closed and bus and train services linking Bangkok with points to the north are suspended and some routes to the northeast have been diverted.
Since the situation is changing rapidly, we recommend that you monitor local media sources. We are posting general information, guidance about the flood situation, and resources for U.S. citizens on our website at: http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/flood_information.html and on the Embassy Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/usembassybkk...39229522811253. Updated notifications with information for U.S. citizens are available via Twitter at @ACSBKK.
If you live within the Bangkok Metropolitan area and are affected by the flooding and need urgent assistance, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s flood hotline at 1555. If you live elsewhere, contact the Thai Government’s English-speaking Tourist Police, who can be reached nationwide by dialing 1155. For general information you can contact the Government Call Center at 1111 ext. 5. For Thai speakers, there are hotlines for trains: 1690; buses: 1490; highway: 1586, 1784; and 1146 for local roads; highway police: 1193, and emergencies: 191. You can see the Thai Meteorological Department’s weather forecasts and warnings at its website, www.tmd.go.th/en/. On Twitter, unverified flood information provided by members of general public is tracked with #ThaiFloodEng.
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html) is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing [email protected]. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000. The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai (http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/service.html) is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at [email protected]. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.
For the latest security information, you should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website (http://travel.state.gov), where current Worldwide Cautions, Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings and health-information resources can be found. You can also obtain up-to-date information on security by calling 1-888-407-4747 (toll free) in the U.S. and Canada or, for callers in other areas, by calling a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time), Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
We encourage you notify us of your presence in Thailand by enrolling in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), available at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
This email is UNCLASSIFIED
Oct 21, 2011, 12:16 am
#39
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 143
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/loca...-strong-enough
Army chief: Dykes not strong enough
Published: 21/10/2011 at 12:02 PM
Online news:
The floodwalls will not be able to protect Bangkok from the huge amount of water running down from the North, national army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Friday.
He said the total volume of water flowing from the North into Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani was immense.
"The high velocity of the current means it can break through the barricades and enter Bangkok, as now expected, since they're not permanent structures," Gen Prayuth said.
The government, the army and all other agencies have been trying their best to fight off the powerful flow and drain the water into the eastern and western outskirts of Bangkok, the army chief said.
However, the floodwaters will have to pass through some areas of Bangkok so they can be released rapidly out into the sea.
He said the temporary dykes can only slow down the flow of water, giving authorities more time to assist the people.
Army chief: Dykes not strong enough
Published: 21/10/2011 at 12:02 PM
Online news:
The floodwalls will not be able to protect Bangkok from the huge amount of water running down from the North, national army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Friday.
He said the total volume of water flowing from the North into Ayutthaya, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani was immense.
"The high velocity of the current means it can break through the barricades and enter Bangkok, as now expected, since they're not permanent structures," Gen Prayuth said.
The government, the army and all other agencies have been trying their best to fight off the powerful flow and drain the water into the eastern and western outskirts of Bangkok, the army chief said.
However, the floodwaters will have to pass through some areas of Bangkok so they can be released rapidly out into the sea.
He said the temporary dykes can only slow down the flow of water, giving authorities more time to assist the people.
Oct 21, 2011, 8:36 pm
#41
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Most old-timers, my neighbors' have lived here for 75 years, expect Bangkok to flood over the next 48 hours. They expect waters to come from both Khlong Toei and the Khlong San Saeb, with anything from 10 cm to 1 m in height, and for as long as a week. I've been strongly advised to depart to the north (via air), south or east if possible. (Note that there is pretty bad flooding in the east, Si Saket and the Northeast, Kalasin owing to continued monsoon rains.)
Additionally they will be directing flood waters to the east and south through Samut Prakan, and some expect the areas immediately surrounding the airport to flood, but perhaps not the airport property.
Perhaps this advice is warranted from : Richard Barrow's Blog
22 October UPDATE: The situation in Bangkok is still unclear but as the days pass it is becoming more likely that inner Bangkok will face floods to an extent. As to how much we just don’t know for sure. Hopefully no more than ankle deep to knee deep. If you are able to cancel or postpone your holiday to Bangkok then you are advised to do so. Alternatively, other destinations like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Rayong, Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Pattaya, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi and all other provinces to the south are safe from floods and you could go to these places instead. Suvarnabhumi Airport is not in Bangkok and is protected by 3.5 meter high flood barriers.
This "3 to 5 day Projected Flood Map" (left-most tab) shows the potential for flooding around SBIA.
Additionally they will be directing flood waters to the east and south through Samut Prakan, and some expect the areas immediately surrounding the airport to flood, but perhaps not the airport property.
Perhaps this advice is warranted from : Richard Barrow's Blog
22 October UPDATE: The situation in Bangkok is still unclear but as the days pass it is becoming more likely that inner Bangkok will face floods to an extent. As to how much we just don’t know for sure. Hopefully no more than ankle deep to knee deep. If you are able to cancel or postpone your holiday to Bangkok then you are advised to do so. Alternatively, other destinations like Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Rayong, Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Pattaya, Kanchanaburi, Hua Hin, Phuket, Krabi and all other provinces to the south are safe from floods and you could go to these places instead. Suvarnabhumi Airport is not in Bangkok and is protected by 3.5 meter high flood barriers.
This "3 to 5 day Projected Flood Map" (left-most tab) shows the potential for flooding around SBIA.
Oct 22, 2011, 1:17 am
#42
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Most old-timers, my neighbors' have lived here for 75 years, expect Bangkok to flood over the next 48 hours. They expect waters to come from both Khlong Toei and the Khlong San Saeb, with anything from 10 cm to 1 m in height, and for as long as a week. I've been strongly advised to depart to the north (via air), south or east if possible. (Note that there is pretty bad flooding in the east, Si Saket and the Northeast, Kalasin owing to continued monsoon rains.)
Additionally they will be directing flood waters to the east and south through Samut Prakan, and some expect the areas immediately surrounding the airport to flood, but perhaps not the airport property.
Additionally they will be directing flood waters to the east and south through Samut Prakan, and some expect the areas immediately surrounding the airport to flood, but perhaps not the airport property.
We were supposed to come into town this week, then thought about heading to Ubon, but we're rethinking that as well with both Mae Nam Moon and Mae Nam Chii overflowing upriver from Ubon.
With tix to BKK already purchased I'm not sure what PG is willing to do for us if we canceled outright.
This is severely testing our wedding preparations but that's second in importance to our concern about friends' homes and businesses.
Oct 22, 2011, 2:36 am
#43
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But sorry to hear wedding preparation plans also are likely affected.
Mrs TK is in Isaan, north of Sawang Daen Din tending ill relative - so our get together after 5 months is also at risk...
Let's all hope for the best.
Oct 22, 2011, 5:03 am
#44
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In Bangkok flooding has begun around the Chao Phraya in Phra Nakon and Ratonakosin. In Thonburi, around Siriraj Hospital, reports of up to 2m of water.
Flooding expected this afternoon all down the river through Bangkok.
Info is online here in Thai.
Flooding expected this afternoon all down the river through Bangkok.
Info is online here in Thai.
Oct 22, 2011, 5:08 am
#45
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Two of us are scheduled to arrive in BKK on Oct 25th on an AP reward. We have a hotel booked in the kho sanroad area. We are then scheduled to fly to DEL on the 27th with Jet Airways, booked thru Expedia.
Should we be looking at changing our plans to either stay in China longer, or fly to BKK and head south to Phuket right away (ie same day)?
We'd like to avoid any unnecessary costs if possible, but also want to stay out of danger. Unfortunately we've been traveling for the past month, so we've only received limited information.
Thanks
Should we be looking at changing our plans to either stay in China longer, or fly to BKK and head south to Phuket right away (ie same day)?
We'd like to avoid any unnecessary costs if possible, but also want to stay out of danger. Unfortunately we've been traveling for the past month, so we've only received limited information.
Thanks