"Disappointing" Vamco deluges East; finally some rain in North (updated)
The remnants of tropical storm Vamco continue to bring heavy rain to parts of Thailand, causing flood havoc and capsizing ocean vessels, but it has not significantly lifted water levels in Thailand's dams.
The remnants of tropical storm Vamco continue to bring heavy rain to parts of Thailand, causing flood havoc and capsizing ocean vessels, but it has not significantly lifted water levels in Thailand's dams.
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Friday morning update
The lower North did receive rain, after all, late yesterday, with Tak recording 58mm (that's more than two inches for those of you accustomed to that system). Uttaradit had less with only 10mm. The question now, as always, is whether the rain was above or below the two major dams (Bhumibol and Sirikit) located there. Thus far, dam water levels remain unchanged.
Thursday evening update
Thailand's eastern provinces have had more than enough rain, thank you. Here, raging floodwaters knocked out a bridge in amphur Bang La Mung in Chon Buri province today. CHAIYOT PHUPATANAPONG
Vamco has certainly not been "disappointing" for Thailand's eastern provinces. It has been downright annoying as having rain has continued thorughout the day, causing flooding from Trat to Chon Buri.
As of 8pm this evening, the rain was staying south of Tak and Uttaradit, the provinces with Thailand's two biggest and almost empty dams. Overnight, however, rain did fall in the area with Tak recording 58mm. Thai Meteorological Department.
Unfortunately for the agricultural sector, the rains have largely south of the country's major dams and rainfall predictions have dropped significantly over the past 24 hours. While Tak, home to the Bhumibol, dam was expected to receive more than 100mm of rain over the next three days, it now looks more likely to receive less.
Heavy rains flooded Pattaya again on Wednesday, including the main motorway between Bangkok and Rayong. (Post Today photo)
"Disappointing" Vamco brings rain, floods but little drought relief
The remnants of tropical storm Vamco did bring heavy rain to parts of Thailand, causing some flood havoc and capsizing fishing vessels, but it has not significantly lifted water levels in Thailand's dams.
The big hope now is that the lingering effects of the low-pressure system will still bring rain to the lower North. Weather forecasts from Weather Underground still indicate that Tak, where the Bhumibol Dam is located, should receive more than 100mm of rain over the next three days.
According to Weather Underground, Tak's best hope for heavy rain is today and tomorrow. After that, the outlook is grim.
About half that amount is predicted for Uttradit, site of the Sirikit Dam.
The lastest reports indicate useable capacity at both dams is still critically low at 5 percent and 14 percent respectively.
If you can read Thai, you can find the latest information on dam levels here: http://www.thaiwater.net/DATA/REPORT/php/rid_bigcm.html And if you can't, data on the two biggest dams is right at the top. Useable capacity is right in the middle (5, 14) in today's chart.
Vamco has had its biggest effect on Thailand's eastern provinces. Trat reported 162mm of rain yesterday and closer to Bangkok, Pattaya, in Chon Buri, had 134mm/
In Chon Buri boats were banned from leaving shores in Pattaya and nearby Sattahip after tropical storm Vamco sank at least 10 trawlers and left almost 400 tourists stranded briefly on Koh Lan island Wednesday.
The Marine office in Pattaya issued the ban after eastern provinces and areas in the Gulf of Thailand were slammed by the heavy storm and its gusty winds.
Pattaya flooded in the heavy rain around dusk on Wednesday, with one metre or more of water on some streets and sois.
Five hours of rainfall coupled with the incoming tide, causing floods in commercial areas, and in front of Bang Lamung police station.
The Bangkok-Chon Buri motorway going past Pattaya was also flooded between kilometres 98 and 116. It was the second time this week the motorway was flooded.
The rain let up about 11pm Wednesday, and floods began to recede. The motorway flood was cleared by early Thursday, and the city was mostly dry Thursday morning.
Many fishermen in Sattahip district were forced to stop fishing Wednesday as Vamco left behind a trail of destruction.
At least 10 fishing trawlers sank in choppy seas while more than 30 fishing trawlers were left grounded.
Several fishing boats were also damaged in tambon Ban Sare and tambon Na Chom Thian.
Story contains information from Post reporters.
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