BREAKING NEWS: Bangkok on full alert for inundation tonight
PHUKET: Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra warned the capital’s city dwellers in all 50 districts to brace for flooding as a significant portion of the backed-up floodwater from the North will hit across the city tonight.
The governor made the announcement as he inspected the water level in the Chao Phraya River, which he said is likely to be at 2.40 metres above mean sea level.
This brings the situation to a critical point.
Phuket experienced minor, patchy flooding earlier this month, but has been flood-free for the past two weeks. The weather in Phuket remains fine and no floods are expected here in the foreseeable future.
The Bangkok governor said he has instructed all 50 districts in the capital to be prepared for inundation, and expressed concern for 13 particularly risky areas along the river as well as districts in northern and eastern Bangkok, including Lad Krabang, Nong Chok, Min Buri, Khlong Sam Wa, Khan Na Yao, Bang Khen, Sai Mai, Don Mueang, Chatuchak, and Bang Sue.
City Hall will assess the situation again this evening before announcing whether it will declare further warnings for other areas, according to the governor.
Meanwhile, flooding at Don Mueang Airport, where the Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) is located, has reportedly grown worse today, covering almost 90 per cent of the runways, according to a Thai News Agency.
The FROC distribution centre for essential items, located in the airport’s cargo facility, has not yet been hit.
About ten large and medium-sized commercial aircraft are now parked at the runway.
TNA said concerned officials sped up moving donated materials that have been piled on the first floor of the airport compound to inner Bangkok, adjacent to Mah Boon Klong.
They have also reinforced flood prevention dykes with sandbags.
The large numbers of volunteers who had earlier helped pack relief packages at Don Meuang were markedly reduced as the airport was enveloped by floodwater.
— MCOT
