Flooding in Thailand

[Kimmy & Chewie]

The flooding in Thailand has not improved. In fact, might be getting worst as maybe parts are under 1-2 meters of water and water levels are not expected to recede for at least another MONTH!

Water's moving down from the north and have now reached the northern suburbs of Bangkok.

The capital city of Bangkok has many flood gates which protects it from flooding, but we heard that this time is different from other years and flood gates might not hold. People have been stocking up on supplies over the last few weeks. Dry goods are flying off the shelf as people prepare for the worst.

Fortunately, my house hasn't flooded (yet), but I got around 100 sandbags in case flood does reach my house. Here's a picture of Chewie with the sandbags.

I've also moved my cars to higher grounds (i.e. my in-law's condo) as it's not possible to prevent water from getting into garage. For those who did not move their car...check out this creative solution. They cover the car with tarp to prevent water from getting into the car. (Note: this is not my car by the way)

I was content with my flooding preparation until this morning....on my way to work today, I saw another house down the block with a wall of sandbags 1.5 meters high!! The house next door has built a BRICK WALL 1 meter high!  I wonder if they know something that I don't. Beginning to worry that my 50cm bunker is not enough :(

Might have to start training Chewie to pee on the balcony if the yard is underwater.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

(as of Sunday 30th October) Chewie and I are still safe and dry. But the "slow-moving lake" is creeping slowly south towards me. My office's closed and employees are told to work from home (if they can)

Over the last 4 days, I've been volunteering to prepare lunchboxes for the Red Cross who sends them to various shelters around town for people affected by flood who had to evacuate their homes. Each day, our small team makes about 1200 boxes.

This Halloween, it looks like Chewie will dressed up as another flood victims with his little life vest and goggles.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Just a quick note to let you know that we are still safe and dry here. The mass of water on my side of the river (east bank) is kept at bay at 10-20km north. However, on the westbank of the river is a different story as flood waters are deeper in Bangkok city. More homes are being flooded everyday and people have to leave their homes.

We've been told by government to be 'on alert' for the last 3 weeks and the suspense is really killing me.

Chewie is oblivious to pending threat of flood and LOVES jumping over the sandbag bunker that we built to keep water from going into the house.

[Doris, Knox & Flash]

Wow!  This is absolutely crazy-scary!  I really hope you stay as "high and dry" as possible!  I wlll be praying for you!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Kimmy, Thank you for the update. Continue to stay dry and safe. We will be thinking about you.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Laurie, we are still safe and dry. Thank you for your concern.

Yesterday, the city lost another battle against the flood water and another suburb has been evacuated and is now 1-2 m underwater.

Today, the city is rushing to finish a new line of defense 2.5m high and over 6km long using over a million sandbags to divert water from entering central Bangkok.

The picture below shows the aerial picture of Bangkok metropolitan area (an area of just under 8000 sq.km with 10 million residents) As you can see, water is EVERYWHERE except the middle which is central Bangkok which is still dry (in grey). I live where the black arrow is.

Economically, this will be one of Thailand's worst natural disasters ever as flood took out large area of farmland as well as half a dozen industrial estates.

Will keep you posted.  Thank you all again for your concerns. 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Kimmy, How are you doing today??

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

My goodness, I hope you are able to stay dry.  Good grief, what a nightmare. Keep us posted please.  Thinking of you!!!!

[Kimmy & Chewie]

THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR KIND WORDS AND WELL-WISHES.

The latest flood report came from an area less than 50km away from my house, so I'm going back to reinforce my sandbag bunker with some tarp tonight.

Here's another flood-proof solution. "Water Away Capsules" are sellling for US$130 each. It's basically a really large plastic bag (7.5m x10m) you drive your car into.

 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I am thinking about you and hope you don't have to worry about flooding at your house.

[Julie, Izzie & Max]

Hopefully, the water will recede quicker than expected. How creative for someone to wrap their car in a tarp. I hope you don't have any property damage and your family is all safe.