IMPORTANT NEWS. Affected EU citizens /remains unchanged/ Few EU citizens seeking advice on the situation and assistance in visa related matters.

Transcription

1 UPDATE: 25 th OCTOBER 2011 IMPORTANT NEWS Travel alert /remains unchanged/ ALL EU MS advise their citizens to monitor closely the situation, particularly in Bangkok, giving the sources of information (e.g. disaster center, local media, etc). Embassies receive few calls regarding the flooding. The change of travel advice is considered according to the developments (major changes considered only). Affected EU citizens /remains unchanged/ Few EU citizens seeking advice on the situation and assistance in visa related matters. Weather forecast /metrological department/ The northeast monsoon prevails over the Gulf of Thailand and southern Thailand. Widely scattered rain is expected over the lower Central and the East and isolated heavy rain in the southern Thailand during the next 1 2 days. CENTRAL: Widely scattered thundershower mostly in Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, Ratchaburi and Kanchanaburi. Flood remained in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, Sara Buri, Lop Buri, Uthai Thani, Sing Buri, and Nakhon Sawan provinces. During 25 th 26 th October widely scattered rain. Bangkok: During 25 th 26 th October widely scattered rain. OVERALL SITUATION affected provinces in Thailand (please see the map: NORTH: Nakhom Sawan, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, Kampangpetch and Tak NORTHEAST: Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Srisaket, Surin, Roi et, Mahasarakham and Kalasin CENTRAL: Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Ang Thong, Chai Nat, Lopburi,, Nakhom Pathom, Nonthaburi, Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani, Singburi, Ratchaburi EASTERN: Chacheongsao, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi 2. The inundation in all the provinces remains mostly at the same level and is likely to decrease with the exception of: Nakhon Ratchasima, Surin, Sisakes, Buriram, Mahasarakham, Yasothon and Ubon Ratchathani Province. 3. The total fatalities are 356 deaths and 2 missing (1 in Mae Hong Son, and 1 in Uttaradit). 4. The heaviest rainfall in the past 24 hours is in Bang Nam Jeud Sub District, Lang Suan District and Chumporn Province at 34.5 mm. 5. Major tourist destinations such as: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Pattaya, Ko Chang, Rayong, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Ko Samui and all provinces in southern Thailand are experiencing normal weather conditions (for Bangkok see: current situation).

2 BANGKOK: CURRENT SITUATION 1. Areas on alert (Increase of the water in Rangsit and Pathum Thani; Sea level expected to rise as high as 2 meters) Don Muaneg (36) Lak Si (41) Bang Khen (5) Chatuchak (30) Ban Sue (29) Sai Mai further flashfloods (42) Note: Indication of all the districts in the attachment 2. Already affected districts (controllable flashfloods only): Phra Nakhon (1) Dusit (2) Samphanthawong (13) Bangkok Noi (20) Bang Phlat (25) Sai Mai (42) Note: Indication of all the districts in the attachment. 3. Alerted areas in the inner Bangkok (see map below): Phahol Yothin Rd, nearby Klong Sam Sen and Klong Bang Sue (Phaya Thai) Sukhumvit Rd. Soi 105 (Bang Na) Khlong Phrakanong untill soi La Salle; Sukhumvit Soi 39 i 49 (Wattana) Lad Phrao Shopping Complex and Khlong Lad Phrao (Wang Thong Lang) Navamin Road from Khlong Don Eka, both sides of Prasert Manukit Road (Bung Kum) Ratchadapisek in front of Robinson Department Store (Din Daeng) Lad Phrao intersaction on Ratchadapisek Rd (Chatuchak) Ratchathewi Intersection on Petchaburi Rd (Ratchathewi) Nikhom Makkasan Rd (Ratchathewi) Rama VI Rd, Khlong Prajaejeen and Prajaejeen Market, Ratchathewi) Phetchakasem Rd Soi 63, soi Wat Muang (Bang Khae) Yen Akart Road, Nang Linchee Road, Soi Sribumpen 14 (Yannawa) Srinakarintara Road, Khlong Tachang area (Pawet) Sanam Chai Road, Maha Raj Road (Phra Nakhon) Thung Song Thong, Thung Sak, Don Muaneg (Don Muang)

3 4. Districts on highest alert: (INFO: BMA 1555) The water flows from Nakon Pathom. 1. Sai Mai 2. Lat Krabang 3. Nong Chok 4. Chatuchak 5. Bang Sue 6. Minburi 7. Klong Sam Wa 8. Kan Na Yao 9. Bang Khen 10. Don Mueang (Thung Si Khan and Don Mueang) 11. Laksi (Thung Song Hong) 12. Bang Phlat NOTE: Don Mueng Rangsit brigde Vibhavadi Road up to Rangsit intersection Charansanitwong Road, soi 74 up to 80 (Bang Plath) Bang phlat Road up to Rama 7 Road Sirindhorn Road (Dusit) Sai Mai Road (Wat Nong Yai to Soi Phemsin) Chaengwattana Road(Khlong Prapa) Pin klao bridge to Pata Pin klao Department Store Bang Phlat District Office Note: for all the districts indication: see the attachment. 2 lanes closed at the moment expected to be completely closed

4 5. Situation description: F L O O D S I N T H A I L A N D A. 28 th 30 th October is on alert as another high tide is expected. B. The level of the Chao Phraya river has reached the flood barrier (2,5 m) in most places, overflowed in some areas (see indication above) and continues to increase. All the canals in Bangkok remain open particularly Khlong Song, Khlong Maha Sawat and Khlong Thawi Wattana. The water level in all the canals in the inner Bangkok remains normal at this moment. The rise of water has been reported in Rangsit Klong 1 (51.5 cm) and Rangsit Klong 4 (33,5 cm). C. BMA has advised the communities residing along the river to move to temporary shelters however no evacuation notice has been issued. The leakages have been reported in the areas of Khiew Khai Ka (Bang Krabue Intersaction and the compound of King Monkut s University of Technology North Bangkok already controlled. D. Enclosed BMA s evacuation procedure in case of flooding. E. The water in Khlong Maha Sawat (Nonthaburi) is still increasing (currently up to 1 meter) and is causeing flooding in the areas of Salaya, Putthamonthin, Bang Yai and Bang Kurai. The water is currently flowaing down to the districts of Bangkok, particularly: Thawi Watthana, Taling Chanand Bang Phlat (vide districts on highest alerts). F. No power shortages in the inner Bangkok have been reported. Metropolitan Electricity Authority is closely monitoring the situation especially in the alerted districts. (hotline: 1130). The power in Bangkok shall be cut off only if the water is over 1 m currently no power shortages are planned for the affected areas in Bangkok. Most buildings in Bangkok have generators, however in case of power shortage it is used for elevators back up and is sufficient for few hours only. No electricity in the areas of: Bang Bua Thong (Nonthaburi) INFO 1130 Bang Yai (Bangkok) INFO 1130 Pathum Thani (only areas where water is above 1 m) INFO 1129 Ayutthaya (only areas where water is above 1 m) INFO 1129 G. The Metropolitan Waterworks Authority as well as FROC has advised that the tap water quality is in compliance with the WHO standard. So far there is no risk of tap water incapacity. H. The Ministry of Health has advised that so far there is no epidemical threat due to the flooding. However, they are closely monitoring the situation in the affected areas for the occurrence of: pinkeye, measles, diarrhea, leptospirosis, dengue fever, malaria and cold. Medical Mobile Services have been provided in order to conduct mental health assessment as well as the assistance to affected people. The top 5 reported illnesses are: 1) tinea pedis, 2) strained muscles, 3) fever, 4) skin disease, and 5) headache. 9. Shortage of dry food and drinking water has been reported in most big supermarkets. All the product are availablethough in smaller supermarkets and stores. Unofficially: Don Muaeng airpoirt is considered to be used as the store area to help supplying big supermarkets in Bangkok. I. Shortages in the drinking water has been reported but only in the bottles bigger then 1,5 l. It is strongly advisable to secure the drinking water as the two main water supplying factories are inundated (Ayutthaya) and the transportation routes are severely affected. J. Water level in particular areas can be checked here: K. The areas of central Bangkok where tourists normally go are not flooded and accessible as of the moment. L. Shelter centers prepared in case the evacuation: NOTE: Thammasart University temporary shelter has been evacuated due to flashfloods. BMA also designated temporary shelters at 158 schools in 24 districts for 35,805 people. INFO: Tel or BMA Hotline 1555 or

5 M. Update to other areas, visit: (Thai) (Thai/English) (Thai/English) (Thai) (English) (Thai/English: click fo AIRPORTS: TRANSPORTATION Suvarnabhumi operating normally The Suvarnabhumi airport is so far secured. U Tapao military airport is ready for eventual overtaking of flights. There are few airlines which already delegated their staff to U Tapao (e.g. Singapore, Air Asia, Thai airlines). In case of Suvarnabhumi closure, U Tapao may take over only small part of the flights (capacity about 3,000 passengers a day whereas for Suvarnabhumi its aprox. 140,000). Most flights will be redirected to other airports, though further transportation to the destination points will be difficult due to affected roads. Flood Monitoring Center has been set up at Suvarnabhumi to co ordinate with officials from Thai and international commercial airlines. Contact: Special Affairs Department Tel: Tel: (not for public) Fax: +66 (0) E mail: aot_media@airportthai.co.th Latest assessment from Emergency Operations Centre for Flood at Suvarnabhumi airport (24/7): Flood walls surround the airport is 3.50 metre high (flood walls are permanent) Currently the water level is cm depending on the area. The water level has decreased. Alert levels in place if water level reaches: 0.80 m alert internal team 1.00 m alert airlines reps / prepare for evacuation (partly implemented as some of the airlines have already delegated their staff to U Tapao) 2.00 m 2 nd alert to airlines reps / prepare for evacuation 2.50 m Evacuation Don Mueang operating normally Water in front of the terminal 1 and 2 is consequently increasing (currently over 50 cm). Airport is still accessible. Don Mueng Rangsit brigde as well as Vibhavadi Road up to Rangsit intersection are already closed for drainage. Note: There are no water barriers around the airport as the area itself is elevated comparing to the rest part of the district. On the North side there is a barrier made of rocks in the Anusorn Satharn National Memorial (Intersection of Vibhavadi Rangsit Highway and Phahol Yothin Rd.) Chiang Mai operating normally Phuket operating normally Krabi operating normally

6 BANGKOK MRT (Underground Train System): /remains unchanged/ Below indicated exits are closed from 2.30 pm every day until further notice. Below indicated entrances are temporarily closed until further notice. 1. Khlong Toei exit 2 / entrance 2 (including the lift) 2. Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre exit 4 / entrance 2, 4 and the lift of entrance 1 3. Hua Lamphong Railaway Station exit 4 / entrance 2 (including the lift), 4 4. Phra Ram 9 exit 1 and 3 / entrance 1,2 (stairs side only), exit 3 (including the lift) 5. Thailand Cultural Centre exit 3 / entrance 3 6. Huai Khwang exit 4 / entrance 3, 4 7. Satthisan exit 2 / entrance 2, 4 8. Ratchadapisek exit 1 / entrance 1, 4 9. Lad Phrao exit 1 / entrance 1, Pahon Yothin exit 2 / entrance 1,2 and lift on the entrance Chatuchak Park exit 1 and 3 / entrance 1,3 (stairs side only), exit 4 (including the lift) 12. Kamphaeng Phet exit 3 / entrance Sukhumvit exit 1 / entrance 1 (including the lift) 14. Sam Yan exit 2 / entrance 2 (including the lift) 15. Silom exit 1 / entrance 1 (including the lift), exit 2 (stairs side only) 16. Lumphini exit 3 / entrance 3 (including the lift) 17. Petchaburi exit 2 / entrance 2 (including the lift) 18. Bang Sue entrance 1 Further information: Tel IMPASSABLE ROADS: /INFO: Highways 1568 or 1784; Rural roads 1146/ 76 main highways in 15 provinces are flooded and impassable. 203 rural roads in 31 provinces are not passable. For Pathum Thani, Don Mueang, Laksi and Nonthaburi it is necessary to contact the hotline in order to confirm current situation. Express way out bound to Chiang Rak Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus small cars cannot pass due to inundated. Road as well as the Express way from Bang Pa In Pak Kred are not passable at km due to cm flooded. Contact: EXAT Call Center 1543 (24/7) To see currently impassable routes on the map, visit: or msa=0&source=embed&ie=utf8&t=m&vpsrc=0&ll= , &spn= , &z=6

7 TRAINS: /24 hrs INFO: 1690/ The railway from Chongtai Station to Keng Sue Ten Station is terminated from 15 th October 2011 to 14 th February 2012 (railways repairing, improvement and wrench changing) North 18 routes are cancelled. Northeastern routes are diverted to Bangkok Mukkasan Chaseongsao Kang Koi and to the destination at Nong Kai or Ubon Ratchathani Station. The Northeastern bound does not stop at Samsen station, Bang Sue Station and Don Mueang Station. All passengers must be on board at Bangkok Station (Hua Lumpong). The passenger who have already booked the tickets online can cancell their tickets and get their money at all railway station. BUSES: /INFO: 1490/ The North and Northeast in out bound routes operate normally, using route Bangkok Terminal (Chatuchak) Lak Si Phra Si Mahathat Temple Ramindhra km no. 8 Fashion Island Shopping Center Eastern Roundabout Ongkharak District of Nakhon Nayok province Banna District Kang Khoi District. If heading to the North: from Kang Khoi turning to Highway no. 1, passing Khok Samrong Nong Muang Tak Fa Highway No. 11 Sak Lek turn left to Highway No. 12 Phitsanulok Sukhothai Tak and use Highway No. 1 to Chiang Mai Destination. From Phitsanulok, passengers can use normal routes to Phrae, Nan and Chiang Rai. If heading to the Northeast from Kang Khoi are passable. Mass Transit Co. Ltd. provide buses to transport evacuees to the appointed temporary shelters, as well as volunteers from Don Mueang Airport to Victory Monument and Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus to Don Mueang Airport, Victory Monument and Tha Phrachan Campus. IMMIGRATION MATTERS /remains unchanged/ The Commander has not taken yet the decision regarding the overstay matters due to the crisis situation cause by the floods. Temporary solution for the foreign tourist or alien who lives in Ayutthaya, Angthong or Supanburi Province: 1. Overstays inform the name, surname, passport number and validity of the expired visa at the mobile number of Pol. Lt. Phuen Duangjina Afterwards, the alien should contact the Immigration as soon as it will be possible and the visa shall be extended with no repercussions. 2. Lost passport cases and the transfer of the visa contact Pol. Capt. Siriporn at the mobile number Other assistance regarding the immigration matters in Ayutthaya personal contact the Asian Highway Patrol Unit (opposite Ayutthaya Government Complex).