Warning issued for 16 areas in Bangkok at risk of flooding

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) issued a warning to people living in 16 areas across seven districts of Bangkok that are at risk of flooding, advising them to move their valuables and belongings to higher ground.

Although the flooding in Thailand this year is not as severe as the great floods of 2011 but the floodwater levels in many provinces are the highest in the past 10 years. The flooding began in the northern and northeastern parts of Thailand, and the serious flooding in Chiang Mai has only recently improved.

Locals and relevant local government officials are now cleaning the affected areas, particularly the city centre and the economic zone of the province. The damage caused by the flood in Chiang Mai is estimated to reach 2 billion baht.

The floodwaters are expected to gradually flow from the northern to the central regions of Thailand through several rivers, especially the Chao Phraya River.

Several Thai news agencies reported yesterday, October 8, that some riverside communities in Nonthaburi province, near Bangkok, were already affected, causing concern among Bangkok residents.

The BMA is closely monitoring the flood situation and the water level in the Chao Phraya River to alert people in at-risk areas to prepare for potential flooding. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt and Deputy Governor Wissanu Subsomphon attended a survey yesterday to inspect the water level in the Chao Phraya River.

According to the governor, Bangkok has 88 kilometres of flood protection walls, ranging from 2.8 to 3.5 metres in height, along the river and in some main canals connected to the river. Chadchart assured the safety of communities within the protected areas but urged those outside to remain cautious.

The 16 areas in seven districts of Bangkok, which lie outside the flood protection walls include:

• Dusit district
  • Soi Sri Kham (the end of Soi Samsen 19)
  • Ratchaphathim Ruamjai community near Krung Thonburi Bridge
  • The end of Soi Mittakham
  • Devaraj Kunchon comunity
• Phranakhon district
  • Tha Wang community
  • Tha Tian community
• Samphantawong district
  • Communities near Pathum Kongka Temple
  • Talad Noi community
• Bang Khor Laem district
  • Matanusorn community
  • Communities behind Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital
  • Communities near Inbanjong Temple
  • Communities near Bang Khlo Temple
• Yannawa district
  • Rong Si community on Rama 3 Road
• Bangkok Noi district
  • Dusit and Nimit Mai communities
• Khlong San district
  • Charoen Nakhon Soi 29/2
  • Ban Chan Nak community

Chadchart revealed in an interview with the news agencies that they are being vigilant.

“We are monitoring and preparing at all times, and the monitoring will become more intense on October 20 when the sea level is expected to rise. For areas outside the flood protection walls, BMA officials are ready to assist affected residents.”