BANGKOK, Oct 19 – Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Wednesday declared seven districts of the Thai capital to be on alert for approaching northern flood run-off while advising residents in these vulnerable districts to move their belongings to higher ground.
The Bangkok governor said the seven districts are Sai Mai, Klongsamwa, Bang Khen, Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Kannayao and that he will keep updating the water situation to the public every three hours.
The first warning issued for Bangkokians was made by the governor amid fears that the temporary dykes will be unable to withstand the volume of floodwaters, flowing from Rangsit Canal.
Meanwhile, Chuchart Suppawatthanangkul, Royal Irrigation Department (RID) engineering division chief for Northern Rangsit said workers are trying to drain water from rising Rangsit canal. If unsuccessful the waterway could rise one metre within 24 hours and flood Thanyaburi and Lam Luk Ka districts.
The floodwaters could also affect Sai Mai and Don Mueang districts in northern Bangkok.
He said the water is likely to keep rising for about a week while it is a difficult task to drain the Rangsit canal into the Chao Phraya River as the water level in the Chao Phraya River is 1.5 metres higher than the water level in Rangsit canal.
The irrigation department plans to avert possible flooding in Rangsit by diverting the water in the Nakhon Nayok River to the Bang Pa Kong River to be carried to the sea in Chachoengsao province.
The RID has asked the private sector to support its operations by supplying additional pumps.
