ID :
148221
Mon, 11/01/2010 - 11:14
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http://m.oananews.org//node/148221
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Floods still affect 22 provinces; possible flash floods in Southern region
BANGKOK, Nov 1 -- Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation on Monday reported that as of October 31, 22 provinces remain impacted by the current floods, while the Meteorological Department has warned of torrential rain, very heavy falls are expected in the South from Surat Thani southward as cooler weather with windy are likely in upper Thailand.
His Majesty the King on Monday gave an additional Bt10 million in personal funds to help flood victims, after on Oct 19 having granted Bt10 million in relief aid for those affected by the flooding.
Provided through the Rajprachanukroh Foundation, the grant funds procurement of subsistence goods and clothing which will be distributed to flood victims in various parts of Thailand’s central and northeastern regions.
The national Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said there are now 221 districts in 22 provinces still affected by the floods including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Ubon Ratchathani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Supan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, and Chachoengsao.
Previously, 38 provinces were affected by the floods while situation were eased in sixteen provinces -- Pichit, Phetchabun, Rayong, Chantaburi, Trat, Tak, Chonburi, Lamphun, Chiang Mai, Sa Kaeo, Nakon Nayok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Nong Bua Lumphu, Prachin Buri and Samut Prakan.
Some 1.1 million households or 3.5 million people are still impacted by the floods which have also damaged 4.1 million rai (1.6 million acres) of farmland.
The minister of education expressed concern about schools in the flood impacted provinces as 676 schools have postponed the opening date of new semester Monday.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned of a tropical depression and cooler weather in upper Thailand.
In its warning statement issued on Monday morning, the weather service said that a tropical depression in the lower gulf of Thailand was centered about 350 km southeast of Songkhla with maximum sustained wind about 50 km/hr.
The storm is moving northwestward at a speed of 15 km/hr and is expected move through the lower South of Thailand on Monday and Tuesday.
Torrential rains are expected in much of the South from Surat Thani southward with strong wind s and high waves in the Gulf, with a wave height of about two to four metres.
People in at risk areas along hill slopes near waterways and in the lowlands should beware of severe weather and possible flash flooding. Likely disaster areas include Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang and Satun.
Residents of southern Thailand's east coast should beware of high winds and waves into the shore; all ships in the middle Gulf southward keep ashore during the period, it said.
A ridge of intense high pressure from China still covers Thailand. Generally cooler weather, with strong winds, is likely in upper Thailand in a few days. Minimum temperature in the upper North and Northeast is about 12-16 degrees Celsius and 6-12 degree Celsius on mountaintops. (MCOT online news)
His Majesty the King on Monday gave an additional Bt10 million in personal funds to help flood victims, after on Oct 19 having granted Bt10 million in relief aid for those affected by the flooding.
Provided through the Rajprachanukroh Foundation, the grant funds procurement of subsistence goods and clothing which will be distributed to flood victims in various parts of Thailand’s central and northeastern regions.
The national Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said there are now 221 districts in 22 provinces still affected by the floods including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Buri Ram, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Ubon Ratchathani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Supan Buri, Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, and Chachoengsao.
Previously, 38 provinces were affected by the floods while situation were eased in sixteen provinces -- Pichit, Phetchabun, Rayong, Chantaburi, Trat, Tak, Chonburi, Lamphun, Chiang Mai, Sa Kaeo, Nakon Nayok, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Nong Bua Lumphu, Prachin Buri and Samut Prakan.
Some 1.1 million households or 3.5 million people are still impacted by the floods which have also damaged 4.1 million rai (1.6 million acres) of farmland.
The minister of education expressed concern about schools in the flood impacted provinces as 676 schools have postponed the opening date of new semester Monday.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department has warned of a tropical depression and cooler weather in upper Thailand.
In its warning statement issued on Monday morning, the weather service said that a tropical depression in the lower gulf of Thailand was centered about 350 km southeast of Songkhla with maximum sustained wind about 50 km/hr.
The storm is moving northwestward at a speed of 15 km/hr and is expected move through the lower South of Thailand on Monday and Tuesday.
Torrential rains are expected in much of the South from Surat Thani southward with strong wind s and high waves in the Gulf, with a wave height of about two to four metres.
People in at risk areas along hill slopes near waterways and in the lowlands should beware of severe weather and possible flash flooding. Likely disaster areas include Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Krabi, Trang and Satun.
Residents of southern Thailand's east coast should beware of high winds and waves into the shore; all ships in the middle Gulf southward keep ashore during the period, it said.
A ridge of intense high pressure from China still covers Thailand. Generally cooler weather, with strong winds, is likely in upper Thailand in a few days. Minimum temperature in the upper North and Northeast is about 12-16 degrees Celsius and 6-12 degree Celsius on mountaintops. (MCOT online news)
