Bangkok Flood Alert For Tuesday

[Jai Dee]

Bangkok flood alert for Tuesday

High tides peak next Tuesday, and authorities have set up a special number for flood information, Thailand's disaster response chief said.

The Bangkok Flood Hotline number is 1784, where operators can provide the latest situation report.

Mr Anucha warned that Bang Ban district of Ayutthaya province and six districts comprising eastern Bangkok remain at risk for floods as high tides will peak again October 10.

Both Ayutthaya and Bangkok are at risk of flooding if new downpours occur, compounding the challenges already faced by overtaxed water drainage systems, the disaster response chief said.

The Department has been working closely with provincial authorities to bring relief and assistance to those affected, he said. The Department is keeping the Flood Telephone Hotline 1784 manned around the clock for up-to-date flood information.

Typhoon Xangsane left a trail of damage in 36 provinces, inflicting over 200 million baht (more than $5 million) in damage, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.

Director-General Anucha Mokhaves said the typhoon brought about downpours causing swift rises in major rivers. To date, residents in 36 provinces were affected, while another 20 provinces remain under water.

Over 1.3 million people in some 360,000 households were affected, and 22 persons died.

Source: TNA - 5 October 2006