Soil formation in double track railway construction blocks waterway, causing flash floods to devastate communities and dormitories in front of Phayao University.
Manager Online, September 17, 2024, 2:00 PM
Phayao - Officials mobilize to open waterways to drain into Kwan Phayao to alleviate the flooding crisis in front of Phayao University. The main cause is revealed to be the construction of a parallel railway, with embankments and structures blocking the flow of water into the Mae Tam reservoir, causing the flood to overflow and devastate villages and dormitory communities.
The flash flood that hit villages and dormitory communities in front of Phayao University early this morning (September 17) caused severe damage to dormitories, houses, and properties of villagers in Village 16, Mae Ka Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phayao. Cars and motorcycles belonging to students were swept away by the flood and mud, scattering and piling up against walls.
Latest reports indicate that the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center of the 34th Military Circle has deployed a disaster relief team, along with officials from various agencies, to assist students and residents in front of Phayao University. They are using machinery to open waterways in the Huai Kiang and Huai Khian streams to drain into the Mae Tam River, which then flows into Kwan Phayao. The water level has started to recede, except in some low-lying areas where flooding and water flow persist. Tow trucks are being used to remove vehicles from the flooded areas, as over 200 motorcycles and cars have been damaged by the flood.
However, there have been no reports of injuries or deaths so far, as the water came quickly and forcefully. Officials will conduct further surveys to assess the damage.
Mr. Rathapol Naradith, Governor of Phayao Province, stated that heavy rain fell for over two hours last night, causing flash floods. Additionally, the construction of a parallel railway near Ban Mo Kaeng Thong, Mae Ka Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phayao, involved blocking the Mo Kaeng Thong waterway, which flows into the Mae Tam reservoir. This prevented the water from reaching the reservoir, causing the flash flood to overflow and inundate the Ban Huai Khian community.
Currently, efforts are underway to open waterways to allow the water to flow into the Mae Tam River and then into Kwan Phayao. Kwan Phayao is expected to be able to accommodate the water, as preparations have been made. Residents in downstream areas of Phayao Municipality, who may be affected, have been warned to move their belongings to higher ground. After this, the focus will be on recovery efforts in the Mae Ka Subdistrict area and providing accommodation for students who are currently displaced. A shelter has been set up at the old Highway Police Station in front of Phayao University.
Mr. Pramote Ping Mueang, Director of the Phayao Irrigation Project, mentioned that the flooding in Mae Ka Subdistrict was caused by the construction of a building that blocked the waterway. Discussions will be held with relevant agencies to address this issue. The Mae Tam reservoir is currently at 80% capacity and the gates remain closed. It can still accommodate more water.
"State Railway of Thailand" insists that the construction of the double-track railway "Den Chai-Chiang Khong" is not the cause of the flooding in front of the University of Phayao.
On September 18, Mr. Jaray Rungthaneya, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), clarified that the flooding in front of the University of Phayao was not caused by the construction of the embankment road over the Mae Ka Canal, part of the double-track railway project between Den Chai, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Khong in Phayao Province. The road was not designed as a water barrier, and eight drainage pipes, each with a 1.2-meter diameter, were installed to sufficiently handle normal water flow. Prior to the flooding, no water had accumulated in a manner that would suggest a reservoir or dam. However, due to the massive volume and swift flow of water, the road was eroded quickly.
Mr. Jaray further explained that the flooding resulted from continuous heavy rainfall, with rainfall amounts reaching 105 mm in narrow, steep mountain areas. This caused a fast-moving water current to flow through the Mae Ka Canal into the lower plains. The canal runs parallel to Phahon Yothin Road on the left and the railway line on the right. The large volume of rainwater caused flash flooding as it reached a basin-like area near the city, where man-made structures blocked the water's path.
Moreover, the flooded area was unable to drain water fast enough, leading to a flash flood. Aerial photographs show that the railway under construction cuts across the area and does not obstruct water flow. The blue line in the images represents the Mae Ka Canal, while the red area is where dormitories are located. Once the canal overflowed and the structures obstructed the water flow, flash floods occurred. SRT has directed the contractor to use machinery to dredge canals and drainage pipes to expedite water drainage until the situation improves. Additionally, SRT officials in various regions have been instructed to monitor water levels closely and ensure the safety and convenience of the public, while also preparing to assist those affected by the floods.
Manager Daily 360 - A professor from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Maha Sarakham University, pointed out 4 reasons for the flooding in Phayao city, and emphasized that changes in topography should be a key consideration.
Following the flash floods that devastated villages and dormitories in front of Phayao University in the early morning of September 17th, causing severe damage to dormitories, houses, and properties of residents in Village 16, Mae Ka Subdistrict, Mueang Phayao District. Cars and motorcycles of students were swept away by the flood and mud, scattering and piling up against walls.
On September 17th, Facebook user "Chainarong Setthachua" or Mr. Chainarong Setthachua, a professor from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Maha Sarakham University, expressed his interesting views on the flooding in Mueang Phayao District. He stated:
"Preliminary observations on the causes of flooding in front of Phayao University
Apart from rainfall, changes in topography should be a key issue in considering the flooding in front of Phayao University this morning.
From checking Google Maps, there are points to note as follows:
1. There are two streams that flow to the flooded area, namely Nong Meng-Na Poi, which is the longest stream in this zone, and Huai Mae Ka Luang, which converge in front of Phayao University before flowing into Kwan Phayao, which is the point of severe flooding (Images 1 and 2).
2. At the upstream of Huai Nong Meng-Na Poi, there is Huai Tub Khop Reservoir and small weirs (in the yellow circle, Image 1).
3. In the upper part of Huai Ka Luang, there is a construction of a tunnel for the double-track railway project crossing Huai Mae Ka Luang. It is likely that the riverbed was filled up to allow trucks to pass (Image 3). When the flood occurred, the said road became a small dam, and the area south of the road turned into a reservoir accumulating a large amount of water. Later, someone took an aerial photo and found that the road had collapsed after the flood. See the photo of the collapsed road from the Conservationist page https://www.facebook.com/share/p/L2rsVsh6EdCaKXKn
During the flood in the morning, a Facebook user stated that the flood came from a dam breach, which could be caused by 2 or 3, and might have misunderstood that the dam collapsed. See the clip here https://www.facebook.com/share/v/XZ5DSddb8whVFYgB/?mibextid=SphRi8
4. In front of Phayao University, known as Kad Lum, this area is under the Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO). After the establishment of the university, there has been construction of commercial buildings, department stores, and dormitories densely packed in the Huai Mae Ka Luang area, which might encroach or obstruct the waterway, including the road crossing the stream, making the water flow path very narrow.
All map images are from Google Maps, checked initially to observe the flooding in front of Phayao University this time only. The accuracy of the information needs to be rechecked from the actual area to know the real cause, which may come from several factors combined, and to find ways to prevent and solve the problem in the future.
Thank you to all friends who helped check the information."
Source: Manager Daily 360 Degrees Newspaper, September 19, 2024 issue.
CK Adjusts Construction Plans for Double-Track Railway to Handle Flooding
Source: Thunhoon
Friday, September 20, 2024, 08:02
CK and Thunhoon - The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has clarified that the construction of the double-track railway project "Den Chai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong" does not obstruct water flow, causing floods in Northern Thailand. CK has deployed machinery for flood relief and is closely monitoring the situation to adjust its operational plans accordingly. Analysts expect CKs Q3 profit to be the highest of the year due to revenue from BEM, CKP, and TTW dividends.
Jaray Rungthaneeya, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Acting Governor of SRT under the Ministry of Transport, clarified the results of an investigation regarding social media posts. These posts suggested that flooding in front of Phayao University, Phayao Province, might be partially due to the double-track railway construction from Den Chai to Chiang Rai and Chiang Khong. The posts claimed the construction of a soil transport road near the Mae Ka Canal created a dam effect.
Not the cause of flooding
In reality, it was found that the road in question had eight drainage pipes, each 1.20 meters in diameter, sufficient for normal water flow. The road was not designed as a dam, and prior to the incident, there was no water buildup above the road resembling a reservoir.
The flooding was caused by continuous heavy rainfall, with up to 105 mm of rain falling in a narrow, steep mountainous area. The fast-flowing water passed through the Mae Ka Canal, flanked by Phahon Yothin Road on the left and the railway line on the right. The high volume and rapid flow of water, along with natural bottlenecks and existing constructions, caused the flash flood near the city.
The SRT has directed contractors to provide urgent assistance, both within and outside the project area, by distributing relief packages to flood-affected people. They are also using machinery to dredge canals and clear drainage pipes to help drain the floodwater until the situation improves.
Adjusting work plans
CKs investor relations division stated that the construction of the high-speed railway project, particularly contracts 2 (Ngao-Chiang Rai) and 3 (Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong), managed by the CKS-T DC 2-3 joint venture, has been affected by the flooding in Chiang Rai and Phayao. However, engineers on-site are closely monitoring the water situation and adjusting work plans as needed. CK employees are also actively helping local communities.
In affected areas, CK has set up clean water production facilities and is distributing clean water. The company has also deployed pumps and machinery to support both the public and government agencies. CK is monitoring the situation closely, given the presence of personnel and equipment in the area.
After the situation stabilizes, CK and the joint venture will reassess the operational plan to meet the contractual deadlines and aim to complete the project by 2027 as scheduled.
Q3 Profit Expected to Be the Highest This Year
Yuantha Securities (Thailand) Co., Ltd. predicts that CKs Q3/2024 normalized profit will show a QoQ increase, potentially matching or slightly exceeding the YoY figure. This is expected to be the highest profit of 2024, driven by increased revenue from its joint ventures BEM and CKP during their peak season, along with dividends from TTW amounting to approximately THB 232 million. Despite potential delays in construction due to the rainy season, CKs strong backlog of around THB 220 billion provides a buffer. Revenue and profit from the Orange Line railway project are expected to start contributing in 2025.
CK is also awaiting the outcome of its bid for the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai double-track railway project, worth THB 29 billion. The government is expected to begin opening bids for more infrastructure projects starting in Q4/2024, with construction companies likely to start recognizing revenue in the second half of 2025.
Analysts expect CK to bid for projects with a good Gross Profit Margin (GPM). The forecasted 2024 profit stands at THB 1,516 million, a 4.4% YoY increase, with profits continuing to grow by 12.1% YoY to THB 1,700 million. They recommend a buy rating, with a target price of THB 25.
Source: Thunhoon Newspaper, September 20, 2024 Edition
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