Bangkok governor confident BMA can deal with northern run-off Wednesday

BANGKOK, Aug 8 – Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Monday voiced confidence that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) can handle the upcoming northern run-off, expected to reach the capital Wednesday, even as the flood death toll nationwide rose to 20.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting construction progress of a flood prevention dyke along the Chao Phraya River, the governor reassured the public regarding the city's readiness and flood prevention measures, saying that the protective dykes erected by the municipality are able to hold back floodwaters to a height of 2.5 metres above mean sea level.

He said the peak of the run-off is forecast at not higher than two metres.

In addition, the BMA is constructing an additional seven-kilometre flood prevention dyke in flood-prone riverside zones, aiming to complete the overall series of 84 kilometres of the flood protection embankment along the Chao Phraya River.

Regarding the areas outside the flood dyke-protected zone, except for 27 riverside communities, Sukhumbhand said that city officials have already built temporary sandbag dykes to brace for the coming flood.

However, 27 flood-prone communities outside the riverside protected zone are likely to be affected by the floodwaters.

As of today, Thailand’s flood death toll rose to 20 while 21 provinces, mainly in the North and Northeast, were declared disaster zones, according Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department Director-General Wiboon Sanguanpong.

However, the flood situation in four of the 21 provinces-- Nan, Loei, Nong Khai and Prachuap Khiri Khan-- has been eased.

Meanwhile, the head of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department warned seven central provinces along the Chao Phraya River of the overflowing water from the northern run-off between today and Wednesday.

The seven provinces are Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi and Bangkok.

Mr Wiboon urged residents along the river to be on high alert and brace for the oncoming water. He advised residents to move their belongings to higher ground and to follow reports on the flood situation and related warnings.

To respond to the situation quickly and to aid the residents, provincial officials were ordered to closely monitor the flood situation and provide appropriate emergency equipment. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-08-08

Bangkok Governor Inspects Anti-flood Measures

The Bangkok governor inspects anti-flood measures at a pier on the Chao Phraya River as the run-off from the flooding in the North is expected to reach the capital over the next few days.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra inspected the Bang Pho pier on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.

The area has no permanent dams but sandbags are being piled up around the pier to prevent flooding.

The run-off from flooding in the North and the Northeast is expected to reach Bangkok soon while high sea tide will increase the water level of the Chao Phraya River on Wednesday.

It is expected that the water level of the river will rise by two meters on Wednesday.

The governor assured that officials will be able to divert water into nearby canals within two hours so the river should not see an overflow that can cause flooding in communities along its banks.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-08

Bangkok Governor Inspects Anti-flood Measures

The Bangkok governor inspects anti-flood measures at a pier on the Chao Phraya River as the run-off from the flooding in the North is expected to reach the capital over the next few days.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra inspected the Bang Pho pier on the bank of the Chao Phraya River.

The area has no permanent dams but sandbags are being piled up around the pier to prevent flooding.

The run-off from flooding in the North and the Northeast is expected to reach Bangkok soon while high sea tide will increase the water level of the Chao Phraya River on Wednesday.

It is expected that the water level of the river will rise by two meters on Wednesday.

The governor assured that officials will be able to divert water into nearby canals within two hours so the river should not see an overflow that can cause flooding in communities along its banks.

-- Tan Network 2011-08-08

It was a sensible report until the last sentence.....how are they going to divert the water...are they going to arm the officials concerned with buckets ?......or have they employed Moses as a consultant.....