Bangkok Governor's Press Conference Nov 3, 11.20am

[webfact]

BKK Governor's Press Conference Nov 3, 11.20 AM

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatara held a press conference at 11.20 A.M. stating that the Chao Phraya River's high tide water level was at 2.32 meters yesterday, which is still a high level but lower than in previous days. Today's high tide is estimated at 2.28 meters.

He assured that canals are seeing their water level stabilizing. Flooding in most areas are stabilizing or else increasing a little. However, some areas like Bangplad District is seeing the water decline by 5 centimeters today.

He mentioned that eastern Bangkok is seeing rising water levels while in the West, flooding has approached Nongkhem and Pasicharoen districts.

Last night, he ordered evacuation of Saikongdintai and West Sam Wa subdistricts in Klong Sam Wa District, Senaniwet 1 housing estate in Lardprao District and Nongkhem's Nongkangplu Subdistrict.

This morning, the evacuation order has been extended to Bangkae District.

Added to the flood watch list last night were Jarakaebua Subdistrict in Lardprao District and Klongkwang Subdistrict in Pasicharoen District.

This morning Bangbon, Bangkoknoi and Pasicharoen districts have been added to the watch list.

Therefore, there are now 8 districts which have been ordered to evacuate, namely Don Muang, Bangplad, Saimai, Taweewattana, Laksi, Talingchan, Bangkhen and Bangkae. Some subdistricts in Lardprao, Jatujak, Klong Sam Wa and Nongjok have also been ordered to evacuate. This means a total of 12 districts in the capital have been affected by flooding so far.

The governor also thanked the Flood Relief Operations Center (FROC) and the Metropolitan Police for their cooperation, particularly for the repair to the Sam Wa sluice gate. He noted the sluice gate repair should be completed today and said cooperation with the police is inspiring and sets a strong precedent. He added that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) officials must be able to gain access to all areas for the most effective flood prevention so their safety must not be compromised.

Sukhumbhand commented that yesterday's opening of the Sam Wa Canal's sluice gate by 1 meter still didn't help with the flood situation to the North of the gate, which shows that the gate itself is not hindering drainage of the flood water from the area as residents there believe.

He further thanked the FROC for closing the sluice gates at Rangsit 8-10 canals as this may help prevent flooding in eastern Bangkok. He added that the opening of the flood gates has caused flooding on Hathairat Road despite 3 meter dikes in the area and may cause flooding at the Bangchan Industrial Estate in Minburi District.

The governor said 'big bag' flood barriers have been placed around Prem Prachakorn Canal's sluice gate to Phaholyodhin Road which may help prevent additional flood water from flowing onto the road.

Sukhumbhand reiterated that the FROC is allowing the BMA to deal with dikes and sluice gates in the capital as it sees fit. He said flooding in the western part should be alleviated by water pumps on loan from the Agriculture Ministry.

-- Tan Network 2011-11-03

[Macrohistory]

How can it be that Bangkoknoi has just "been added to the watch list" when by all accounts it's already under water (waist-deep at points) and has been since the weekend?

[tominbkk]

The blind leading the naked.

[noitom]

Ineptocracy (in-ep-toc’-ra-cy) - a system of government where the least capable to lead are elected by the least capable of producing, and where the members of society least likely to sustain themselves or succeed are rewarded with goods and services paid for by the confiscated wealth of a diminishing number of producers.

Sound familiar?

[mdechgan]

How can it be that Bangkoknoi has just "been added to the watch list" when by all accounts it's already under water (waist-deep at points) and has been since the weekend?

The Bangkok Noi, Bang khunnon, khlong Chakphra area is dry. Even Thonburi hospital is dry.

The other Bangkok Noi, Bang Yi Khan area is under water.

[Macrohistory]

Thanks, that makes sense. But they should clarify in making these announcements. I have some Thai friends in Bangkoknoi who own three small townhouses that are currently underwater. My friends are already upset as it is and got angry when hearing this announcement.

The Bangkok Noi, Bang khunnon, khlong Chakphra area is dry. Even Thonburi hospital is dry.

The other Bangkok Noi, Bang Yi Khan area is under water.