Predicted Water Level In The City On Sep 28 Is Worrying

[Jai Dee]

BKK Governor says water level in the city on Sep 28 is worrying

The Bangkok Governor, Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin, has admitted that the water level in the capital on September 28th is worrying. However, he has assigned relevant officials to inspect the water barriers and install the water pumps in all areas.

Mr. Apirak said the water level on September 28th is expected to reach its highest level mainly due to the surging water from the north and the heavy precipitation. Heavy rain is expected to occur due to the prevailing depression from southern China, and flood can take place in certain areas, especially in the eastern side of Bangkok and the areas along the banks of Chao Phraya River.

Nevertheless, officials in Bangkok have laid down sandbags to prevent floodwater from gushing out. In addition, officials have been assigned to promptly oversee the areas where floodwater may leak into the areas. Mr. Apirak has assured that the officials will be able to solve the expected flood problems more swiftly than last year.

The Bangkok Governor said the Department of Drainage and Sewerage has been assigned to coordinate with the Irrigation Department, and they will submit the resolution to the Council of Democratic Reform under the Constitutional Monarchy later on.

However, on September 26th at 14:00 hours, the governor will travel to check the water level of Chao Phraya River so he could set the measures to solve the flood problems more effectively.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Bangkok will not be hit by flood if there is no heavy rainfall

The Irrigation Department Director-General, Mr. Samart Chokkhanapitak (สามารถ โชคคณาพิทักษ์), is confident that Bangkok will not be hit by flood if there is no unusual heavy rainfall.

Mr. Samart has referred to the current situation of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, saying that the water level in Nakhon Sawan has is gushing by about 2,200 cubic meters per second and the water has overflowed in some lowland areas. He has predicted that the maximum surge of the provincial water would be about 2,600 cubic meters per second on September 28th. He said this amount can cause the water level to elevate to 10 centimeters. Although the water level is deemed critical, Mr. Samart has indicated that the flood would not be as severe as the flood situation in 1995.

Mr. Samart also informed that the water level in the Chao Phraya River is now at 2,082 cubic meters and it will reach the maximum level on September 29th. However, officials will prevent the water level to exceed 2,100 cubic meters.

He is confident that the flood disaster will not take place in the areas of Bangkok, if there is no excessive heavy rainfall. Nevertheless, a meeting will be held at 10:00 hours tomorrow so officials would be prepared in dealing with the possible flood in the province of Ayutthaya and the areas along the banks of Chao Phraya River.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 September 2006

[Ijustwannateach]

Well, tonight's rain was a good heavy start. Water already seems to be pooling higher than usual. Where're me wellies?

[Old Man River]

What happened to our "guarantee" last week that Bangkok would not experience floods?

[Scott]

The one who makes those "guarantees" is now living in London!

[Ijustwannateach]

I think I'm going to be canoeing to work tomorrow.

[Jai Dee]

BKK Governor warns mortorists to avoid using flood routes

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin (อภิรักษ์ โกษะโยธิน) has asked motorists to avoid using Srinakharin and Pattanakarn routes, as they are still inundated.

Mr. Apirak said heavy precipitation in the districts of Suan Luang and Prawet last night has flooded Srinakharin and Pattanakarn roads. Mr. Apirak inspected the routes this morning and imformed that According to his inspection this morning, some areas along the routes are still flooded. He said the flood situation in the alleys of 54, 52, 50, and 46 in Pattanakarn is still in a severe state.

In the meantime, the Bangkok Governor has requested the authorities to look after the situation. He has also requested large public buses to offer transport services to the people who are residing in the flooded alleys. Currently, officials are installing more water pumps to help drain floodwater along different routes.

The water level in Chao Phraya is expected to reach its maximum level at 9 AM to 10 AM and at 8 PM. People who are living along the riverbanks have been warned of possible flood incident. Mr. Aphirak, however, said that water pumps and sandbags have already been set to prevent water from gushing into the eastern region of Bangkok, including the districts of Lad Krabang (ลาดกระบัง), Nongchok (หนองจอก), and Minburi (มีนบุรี).

Public boat services in San Sab (แสนแสบ) Canal have ceased their operations temporarily today, but the situation may return to normal tomorrow.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 September 2006

[alexth]

Just wondering when will they start thinking seriously about a proper sewer system?