Latest news with #DepartmentofHighways
The Star
a day ago
- Climate
- The Star
Seven northern roads impassable due to impact of storm Wipha
BANGKOK: Seven roads in Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phayao are impassable due to floods and landslides triggered by storm Wipha, highway officials on high alert. Heavy rainfall brought by the remnants of storm Wipha has caused flash flooding and landslides, rendering seven roads in three northern provinces impassable, the Department of Highways announced on Wednesday (July 23). The department said torrential rains from Wipha—now downgraded to an active low-pressure system over Laos—had affected 29 roads in Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phayao, with flooding and landslides reported in multiple locations. - Photo: The Nation/ANN As of Wednesday, the following seven roads were impassable: Highway No. 1093 (Khun Huay Krai–Pha Tang Road): Landslide blocked the road between kilometre markers 48+100 and 48+150. Highway No. 1326 (Rong Bua Thong–Sop Pao Road): Road section between KM 12+875 and 13+300 submerged under 10–15 cm of water. Highway No. 101 (Chang Puak Intersection–Pua Road): Section between KM 410+670 and 411+100 under 70 cm of water. Highway No. 1081 (Bo Klua–Chalerm Phrakiart Road): Blocked by landslide between KM 102+975 and 103+025. Highway No. 1081 (Bo Klua–Chalerm Phrakiart Road): Another section blocked by landslide between KM 149+700 and 150+000. Highway No. 1097 (Chiang Klang–Hang Thung Road): Blocked by landslide between KM 7+500 and 7+600. Highway No. 1256 (Pua–Doi Phu Kha National Park Road): Landslide blocked the road between KM 25+000 and 26+000. - Photo: The Nation/ANN Highway authorities on high alert Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Highways, said he had instructed all regional highway offices to deploy personnel and heavy machinery to clear roads and assist motorists in areas affected by landslides or flooding due to Wipha's influence. He added that officials had been assigned to monitor high-risk locations around the clock, and that warning signs would be installed to advise motorists to avoid flooded or blocked routes and use detours where necessary. - The Nation/ANN
Bangkok Post
a day ago
- Climate
- Bangkok Post
Transport safety stressed in stormy northern Thailand
Thai transport agencies are taking safety precautions and are ready to offer public assistance for any effects caused by Tropical Storm Wipha in northern Thailand, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said on Wednesday. The storm has weakened since moving in from Laos but has caused persistent heavy rain and flooding in some provinces in the North, according to the Meteorological Department. The key provinces affected are Nan, Chiang Rai and Phayao. Mr Suriya said the Department of Highways has set up warning and detour signs on affected roads and stationed security staff for 24 hours at points prone to floods and landslides, with machinery on standby for emergencies. The Department of Rural Roads was thoroughly inspecting roads and will alert the public to any damage through updates on its Flood Management System (FMS). The State Railway of Thailand, meanwhile, is cleaning and improving drainage systems. Safety checks on tracks, trains, signals and barriers are under way, along with a review of emergency response plans and temporary shelters for passengers. Chiang Mai Airport since Monday has opened a coordination centre with equipment and staff on hand in domestic passenger hall 1, according to Airports of Thailand. Airport staff are also holding daily situation assessment meetings at 9am. Parking for 250 vehicles is available for affected individuals. Mae Fah Luang Airport in Chiang Rai is also allowing free parking for flood-affected residents until Thursday. Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok remains unaffected, with normal flight operations. Passengers planning flights from Thailand to heavily affected areas, such as Hong Kong, Macau and Shenzhen, are advised to continuously check their flight status. In case of delays or cancellations, passengers are entitled to full refunds or flight changes, except for compensation due to unforeseeable external events, said the Civil Aviation Authority. Passengers who will be arriving in Thailand can check situation updates via websites of airports where they will be landing. Measures are in place to ensure flight safety and air traffic management, according to Aeronautical Radio of Thailand.
The Hindu
25-05-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
Boating suspended in Thekkadi till May 27; Monitoring Officer reviews preparedness in Theni district
Following the southwest monsoon setting in a week in advance, heavy rainfall in many parts of neighbouring Kerala has led to the suspension of boat rides in Thekkadi (Kerala) till Tuesday (May 27, 2025) after Red Alert was issued, officials said on Sunday. While the Indian Meteorological Department has given an orange alert for Theni and Dindigul districts, the officials here, led by Monitoring Officer M. Govinda Rao, Collector Ranjith Singh, and others took stock, of the preparedness at the District Collectorate. The special control room will monitor the rainfall level, to check on dam storage level, and to keep watch for floods at low-lying areas. The Disaster Management Department officials said they expected rainfall between Sunday (May 25) and Monday (May 26) along the Western Ghats. A warning has already been issued to people in areas along the river, with first responders put on alert. Officials in the Department of Highways and the police said the ghat section in the district was being closely monitored, especially the Cumbum Mettu, which connects Theni, Munnar, and other destinations. So far, there have been no problems. On Saturday, there was widespread rain in parts of the district, including Thekkadi and Mullaperiyar dam. Besides mild showers in some parts, there was largely no rain till 6 p.m. on Sunday, officials said.
The Hindu
05-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
New library to come up in Palayamkottai at a cost of ₹100 crore
Palayamkottai in Tirunelveli district is all set to get a new library on three acres of land belonging to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital near District Industries Centre on South High Ground Road on an outlay of ₹100 crore. Speaking to reporters here on Monday after inspecting the proposed site for the library, Mr. Velu said the Tamil Nadu Government had earlier sanctioned libraries for Madurai, Coimbatore and Tiruchi districts. Three acres of land near the District Industries Centre had been selected for the library in Tirunelveli. The facility would come up on an 77,586 square feet area and include a 250-seat auditorium, competitive examination section, children's section with mini theatre, digital library, food court and five lifts. The detailed project report was being prepared, and drawings from private architects were being received for the proposed landmark structure. 'All works will be completed before May 15 and submitted to the government for final approval. Hence, civil work will start this fiscal itself once the funds are released. If Revised Administrative Sanction is needed for adding more facilities in the library, it will also be done as we will get special permission from the Chief Minister', Mr. Velu said. On the progress of construction of Porunai Museum on the outskirts of Palayamkottai on an outlay of ₹33 crore, Mr. Velu said civil work of the museum, which would exhibit the Adichanallur, Sivakalai and Korkai artefacts, would be completed before May-end. Visitor-friendly amenities such as ramps, battery-operated vehicles, lawns and fountains were being created. Interior work such as showcases with proper lighting would start in the first week of June by Chennai and Mumbai-based firms so as to complete the work by August-end. After getting the Chief Minister's approval, the museum would be inaugurated. The Minister said infrastructure development works in southern districts such as laying of 33 km-long west Tirunelveli Bypass Road were gaining momentum. Even as the laying to the road for 11 km in the first phase at a cost of ₹160 crore was going on, land acquisition for laying the road for 22 km was going on. The funds for the second phase would be released once land acquisition was completed. Land acquisition for constructing the 'Y'-shaped rail over bridge at Kulavanigarpuram manned level crossing at a cost of ₹99 crore was going on following appeal from Palayamkottai MLA M. Abdul Wahab. A Detailed Project Report had been submitted with the Department of Highways. The tender for the ROB would be floated for starting the civil work once the DPR was approved. Asked about the accident in which a couple from Tirupur was killed after their two-wheeler fell in a deep pit dug for bridge construction, Mr. Velu said extra precautionary measures were being taken to avert mishaps. Officials had been instructed to take all preventive measures to caution the public in places where road works were going on. 'Unfortunately, some accidents happen despite the precautionary measures. If the officials do not take due precautionary steps, they will face stringent action.' Following improved patronage for Nagapattinam-Sri Lanka ferry service, the Tamil Nadu Government had submitted with the Centre a Detailed Project Report proposing introduction of a similar service between Rameswaram and Sri Lanka. 'We are waiting for approval and funds from the Central Government for the project,' said Mr. Velu, lamenting about the delay in release of funds to the tune of ₹4,000 crore from the Union Government for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme. Collector R. Sukumar, Mr. Abdul Wahab and Mayor G. Ramakrishnan were present.
Yahoo
01-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
McDowell County students returning to school March 10
welch — Arrangements are underway to bring McDowell County's students back to their classrooms next month while the county and much of southern West Virginia is still recovering from the devastating Feb. 15 flood. McDowell County Schools announced Thursday that schools will be reopening on March 10. School officials said in their website post that the school system will work with families living in places where bus routes are currently inaccessible and will work with them individually to find ways to make sure their children can return to school as soon as possible. 'We are committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all our students,' school officials said. 'Our district is working closely with the (state) Department of Highways to ensure that buses will run safely where roads are clear. Please note, bus routes may change as areas improve, and we will keep you informed.' School bus routes and changes to them will be posted on the McDowell County Schools website by March 5. Until the county's schools reopen, the school system is encouraging students to focus on a 'technology supportive lesson' so they can review math and reading skills. Schools will be distributing Chromebook devices to students so they can complete their lessons. The lessons are designed to help students keep up with their skills and help ease the transition back to their classrooms, school officials said in their announcement. Soon after the county's flood recovery efforts started, the county schools have been aiding the effort by being places where flood victims and volunteers can find shelter, charge their devices and get hot meals. Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced late Wednesday that the federal government had approved his request for Individual Assistance in McDowell, Mercer, Mingo and Wyoming counties. The Individual Assistance (IA) Program provides funds to individuals dealing with major damage to their homes or property. The governor's request for Public Assistance, which would be spent on repairs for roads, water systems and other infrastructure in McDowell County and the other counties, was still being reviewed by FEMA. Contact Greg Jordan at gjordan@
