Bangkok In Danger Of Worse Floods

[george]

Bangkok in danger of worse floods

BANGKOK: -- Chao Phya River levels are expected to hit 2.2 to 2.3 metres above sea level today until Wednesday.

The Royal Irrigation Department yesterday warned Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani to prepare for rising waters.

Yesterday Chao Phya levels peaked at 1.9 metres above sea level.

"We have asked authorities to check closely the height and strength of embankments," department director-general Samart Chokanapitak said.

He suggested riverside residents move personal effects to higher ground.

Several Bangkok districts had already been flooded. Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said relevant Chao Phya River community officials had instructions to build sandbag retaining walls to 2.7 metres.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had built concrete embankments along most parts of the river through the capital. However, some areas remained unprotected because the city had been unable to gain access to property.

Apirak explained the BMA would ask residents of communities without flood protection to meet with the city to discuss long-term solutions.

He was speaking as he visited flood victims at Bangkok's Thawee Watthana district where more than 50 rai of farmland - excluding fish farms - was underwater.

"We will closely monitor the situation and provide assistance," he said.

Thawee Watthana District Office director Kosin Teswong said flood victims had been told to evacuate to Puranawat Temple or Wat Puranawat School.

Floodwaters were between one metre and two metres in spots unprotected by barriers.

"As many as 46 households are suffering because they live in areas without embankments," Kosin said.

Wat Puranawat community executive member Wichai Kledpong said flooding this year was as bad as 1979 and 1995. "In my house floodwater is up to my waist," he said.

Another resident Somkid Sukkasem said her home escaped flooding thanks to temporary sandbag retaining walls.

To prevent worse flooding the irrigation department would divert Chao Phya waters to the Nakhon Nayok and Bang Pakong rivers.

--The Nation 2006-10-23

[londonthai]

had built concrete embankments along most parts of the river through the capital. However, some areas remained unprotected because the city had been unable to gain access to property.

what's the point building very strong embankments with the gaps?

[opothai]

had built concrete embankments along most parts of the river through the capital. However, some areas remained unprotected because the city had been unable to gain access to property.

what's the point building very strong embankments with the gaps?