Flood Update

Just wanted to keep you in the loop of the flood here in Thailand, as I'm sure it's out of international news by now.

Central Thailand is still in crisis mode as it continues to rain and the waters continue to rise. They are trying their hardest to keep the flood waters from covering Bangkok, but another flood gate in Pathum Thani has broken [the province north of Bangkok] so things are not looking too good. But don't be worrying about me and Samantha, we'll be okay where we are. [Plus we are heading to the south for a week to enjoy a little time off.]

The picture below shows the areas that have been affected by the floods so far. The red outlined area is Bangkok and Samantha and I live right in the middle of that area. Pathum Thani is the area where our church and a lot of our friends are located. 



Last Friday I went to Sing Buri province [near the top of the map] to bring food to people who have been affected by the flood. People are living under tents on roads that are elevated high enough to stay above the waters. They've been living like this for 2 months already, and it could be another 2 until they are able to even get to what is left of their homes without a boat.

The floods in Singburi

Handing out food to people in Singburi

Sunday, Monday & Tuesday I was at my church [in Pathum Thani] helping with the work they are doing there. The church is making food for all the volunteers who are bagging sand in the community. They are also helping bag sand themselves! My back, shoulders, arms, legs and hands are very stiff and sore from filling, holding and tying sand bags! I only did it for 3 days, I can't imagine what the people who have been doing it for a week must be feeling!

These sand bags are building a 4km long wall of sand bags, 4 to 5 thick and at least 2 meters high.  Here is a link to a video taken by my friend Por of one portion of the sandbag wall. As you can see, the houses along the canal are already flooded as they are inside the sandbag walls.

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10150414461476869

Also, check out Samantha's blog for more on the flood - she's posted two video's as well:

http://www.samanthainthailand.blogspot.com/

There is a lot more I want to say about the flood, about what I've seen, it's awful. I'll tell you more later and get you some more pictures so you can see what is going on.