Thailand: Waves wreak more havoc on southern coast

500 homes hit by flash floods in Phatthalung
Bangkok Post 27 Dec 11;

Strong waves and heavy downpours yesterday continued to lash the South, while the government and the army have accelerated assistance to help affected residents in six coastal provinces along the Gulf of Thailand.

Powerful winds and waves continued to pound several areas in Surat Thani province. Authorities built a sea wall stretching some 15-20km around Ban Pod beach in Don Sak district to protect the coastal area from the waves. However, ferocious waves damaged several sections of a road and bridges in the area.

Authorities yesterday warned residents living in Tha Chana, Chaiya, Tha Chang and Kanchanadit coastal districts to stay alert. Small fishing boats were told not to leave shore because of strong winds and high waves.

Many foreign tourists have flocked to the popular islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan islands for Christmas celebrations. But the celebrations were muted as red flags were raised at some sections of beaches.

In Phatthalung, heavy rains continued to ravage Kong Ra, Si Nakharin, Si Banphot, Khuan Khanun and Muang districts yesterday. Khuan Khanun was the worst hit as flash floods and forest runoff from the Banthad mountain range flooded over 500 households. Many houses were flooded to levels of 50-60cm. Rubber plantations, rice fields and roads were damaged by the flooding.

Phatthalung's disaster prevention and mitigation office yesterday warned residents living at the foot of mountains and low-lying areas to brace for possible flash floods, forest runoff and mudslides.

Wanchai Sakudomchai, director of the meteorology centre for the eastern South, yesterday forecast waves of up to 2 metres, from today until Saturday, in provinces along the Gulf of Thailand. There would be waves of 2-3 metres from Nakhon Si Thammarat down during this period, he said.

The Emergency Operations Centre for Floods, Storms and Landslides yesterday reported that six central provinces still remain flooded in parts. The provinces include Ayutthaya, Lop Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Bangkok.

The floods that hit the North and Central regions have claimed 752 lives and three people are still missing. More than 1.5 million households with some 4 million people were affected, said the centre.

In the South, eight provinces _ Phatthalung, Trang, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Songkhla,Yala and Pattani _ have been declared disaster zones as floods and other natural disasters have affected 147,092 households with 472,227 people. More than 100,000 rai of agricultural areas were damaged. So far, 10 people have been killed in the natural disasters that struck the South.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday said she has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit to accelerate assistance to affected residents in six coastal provinces hit by strong waves.

She instructed governors in the six provinces to use reserve funds to provide relief assistance to residents affected by the waves.

Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha said the army has coordinated with relevant agencies to provide assistance to affected residents in the six provinces along the Gulf of Thailand. He also warned residents and fishermen to closely monitor the weather before going to sea.

In Prachuap Khiri Khan, waves of up to four metres yesterday eroded about one kilometre of the coastline at Thung Pradu coastal village in Thap Sakae district. The waves also damaged several houses and shops.

Deputy Prachuap Khiri Khan governor Apinand Chantharangsi said the province yesterday declared Hua Hin, Sam Roi Yot, Kui Buri and Thap Sakae districts disaster areas.

An initial survey found more than 500 households have been affected by strong waves, Mr Apinand said.

He has asked officials to provide assistance to affected residents. Strong winds have hampered relief work, he conceded.

Mrs Somprapa Morakarn, chairwoman of the shop operators club of Hua Hin, said waves that hit the beach town yesterday morning washed away some shops and stalls. Many shop owners and staff fled as the waves hit, she said.

Athikul Budying, deputy mayor of Hua Hin municipality, yesterday ordered municipal officials to survey damage caused by the waves and help people move their belongings to higher ground. Tourists and residents were told not to swim in the sea.

In Chumphon, high waves and strong winds continued to affect several coastal areas, while officials were sent to survey areas damaged by the waves.