Expect more floods

Editor;

Two-thirds of our planet’s surface is covered with water in motion. The extremes that cause flooding - storms and ocean events - are part of the water cycle, and we can expect more severe floods and droughts as the global hydrological system speeds up. There is nearly 20% more freshwater drainage flowing into the world’s oceans than there was a decade ago, a sign of global warming climate change and a harbinger of more devastating future flooding.

Unusual amounts of heavy, torrential rainfall cause an imbalance when over-saturated soil can’t hold any more water. If forest cover is lost, runoff flows into streams, elevating river levels and subjecting downstream villages, cities and agricultural fields to flooding, especially during the rainy season, since many natural water reservoirs have been converted by short-sighted officials into road construction, residential areas and Industrial Park factory zones.

Human activity influences the frequency and severity of floods, which are primarily created by Mother Nature. Understanding the way humans habitually mistreat the eco-environment and change the surface of the Earth focuses on urban versus rural considerations as buildings and roads replace grass and dirt with concrete, city dwellers wanting to protect the commercial center and economic heartland whereas farmers want to protect the rice fields which represent their survival lifeline.

Resolving the precarious relationship between humankind and nature is a rational precondition for adapting to progressive, sustainable socio-economic development. For starters, cooperative integration of flood management with water resources management is essential, incorporating “What If” forecasting and warning systems as well as preventative spatial planning measures for damage and risk reduction. All levels of government, public and private sectors, charitable foundations, the Thai Red Cross, NGO’s and concerned citizens should work together to share responsibility by developing a regional ASEAN long-term prioritized strategy and Action Plan to deal with the acute problems of drainage, water-logging, sanitation and public health based on science rather than superstition.

We should heed the sagacious advice, knowing guidance, and benevolent kindness of universally revered HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej to focus priorities on rescue support measures and pay attention to emergency crisis control. His Royal Majesty’s humble plea to keep upcoming 84th birthday celebrations as simple as possible should be respected, instead offering united support to the 800,000 victimized families and countless others inundated by the surging floods, which have wreaked havoc, eroded trustful confidence and caused humiliating damage to homes, rice fields, farmland, cattle, unemployment.

What has impressed me most while watching the excellent news coverage, especially the on-site personal story interviews by Sorayute Suthasanajinda, is the inspiring stalwartness, good-hearted smiling nature and never give up coping resilience of local residents joining together to help each other to overcome, surmount obstacles and get on with lifestyle reconstruction, rehabilitation and renovation… with a little help from their caring and sharing friends - like you!

Dr. Chanchai Prasertson
Bangkok

On holiday from Kanchanaburi

Editor;
October 12, a lovely family on holiday from Kanchanaburi wanted to have a picture taken with KOTO and thanked the Pollution Solution Group for the examples, posters and the feeding of the dogs. We are always honored to have Thai and farangs that have an interest in making Mother Earth a safer, cleaner place for all and doing something about it.
KOTO

Thailand floods advice

The following message was sent to us by the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand.

1. General advice - from MSIG Insurance (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Be prepared.

Monitor media coverage of the flood situation and assess the likelihood that your home or premises will be affected.

Have disaster supplies on hand including flashlights, wireless radio, spare batteries, first aid kit, water, emergency food and boots (minimally, sturdy shoes).
Make yourself aware of routes to be used in the event of evacuation - be wary of hazards, such as potholes, that will be hidden under flood water.
In the event that your home or business premises is, or is about to be, flooded out:
Switch off the power supply.
Move valuable items to higher places.
Avoid walking through floodwater, if possible.
Avoid driving.
If requested to evacuate, do so immediately.
Returning to homes/offices:
Do not return until authorities confirm it is safe to do so.
Carefully inspect foundations, walls, doors, etc., to be sure the building is not in danger of collapse, and plaster, ceilings, etc., that could fall (a qualified risk assessor should undertake these tasks, if possible).
Be wary of fire hazards.
Be wary of animals, especially snakes, in the waters.
Discard all food that has come into contact with the flood waters.
Check damaged septic tanks and other sewage related systems as the other potentially serious health hazards.
Take pictures of damage as soon as possible for insurance claims.
For businesses, all the above apply, AND
Make sure your Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Plan is up to date and practical to use in a flood situation; i.e., that it covers all the points outlined above and, in particular:
Make sure any off site emergency premises is not in a flood area itself and is accessible to your business recovery team.
Cars

If possible, try to park vehicles away from low lying areas and bear in mind that motor insurance policies require that reasonable care be taken to protect the vehicle from further damage in the event of a breakdown (or accident). For specific steps to be taken if the car has suffered flood damage or to notify a claim (MSIG customers only) please go to http://www.msig-thai.com

BCCT’S Legal Adviser Notes

Before disposing of or repairing damaged property, machinery stock, etc., it is wise to check with your insurer first. They may say that repairs should be approved by them first or property should be retained for possible inspection by them or their loss adjuster.

BOI announces flood relief
measures for plant operators

Ms. Atchaka Sibunruang, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), said that the BOI has introduced an urgent flood relief measure to help BOI-promoted projects. Investors can immediately move machinery and raw materials out of plants or flood-affected and risk areas to prevent possible damage to these resources.

BOI-promoted companies can contact BOI office for help every day, including weekends.

- Agricultural and light industries - contact Sithee Tanboonteck 0 2553 8298;
- Metal parts and machinery industries - contact Anin Meksuksai 0 2553 8294;
- Electronics and electrical appliances - contact Tanavadee Khuvasanont 0 2553 8366;
- Chemicals, paper, plastic, infrastructure and services - contact Wuttichai Pisatphen 0 2553 8167.
The new measures will be added into the BOI’s existing flood relief measures, which cover the entire country. A major part of the existing measures is the provision of import duty exemption on machinery imported to replace that damaged by flooding.

Expect more floods

On holiday from Kanchanaburi

Thailand floods advice