BANGKOK, Oct 4 – Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra today warned the capital’s citizens to prepare for flooding at the middle of this month as upstream waters will flow into the Chao Phraya River at the same time as the high tide peaks.
The governor made his remarks as he inspected the water situation along the Chao Phraya River and Bangkok Noi canal. Nearly two hundred households in riverside communities outside the city’s flood prevention dykes have been hit as the period of high tide is approaching, while the the level of water in the river has already risen from the flow of upstream water.
Mr Sukhumbhand said the construction of 86 kilometres of dykes along the Chao Phraya River is almost complete. Only a fraction of 700 metres is unfinished pending negotiation with the local residents and private companies who own the land there.
The governor said today’s level of water in the river currently remains at 1.60 metres above mean sea level, which is still not too high, while the flow of upstream water released into the capital is at 2,300 cubic metres per second.
He said Bangkok can handle the water flow of up to 3,000 cubic metres per second.
However, the governor expressed concern for 850 households in 25 communities living outside the BMA dykes that they will be affected by high tide and the flow of upstream water between October 15-17. The Chao Phraya River level may reach two metres above sea level.
Officials in 11 at risk districts have been asked to prepare to provide help for residents.
