WITH the Chao Phraya river rising as a result of key dams releasing more water Bangkok Governor Pol. Gen. Asawin Kwanmuang this evening (Oct. 1) alerted 11 communities in seven districts that are outside that embankment that they are at risk of being flooded and ordered officials to help them, Siam Rath newspaper said.
The city governor was told by the Royal Irrigation Department that it is moving to increase the discharge from Chao Phraya Dam to 2,700 cubic metres per second. On top of this it is now necessary to discharge water from Pasak Chonlasit Dam at the rate of 900-1,200 cubic meters per second as a result of a large mass of water flowing in.
This means Rama VI dam in Ayutthaya province too will be releasing more water. The increased flow from these dams causes the Chao Phraya river to rise and affects the area from Chainat province to Bangkok during Oct. 1-5.
In order to prepare for this situation and alleviate the suffering of those who face flooding Pol. Gen. Asawin today sent out a written order to all relevant agencies and district offices to help people outside the embankment. Measures include erecting sandbag walls, building temporary walkways, helping people move their belongings to higher areas and distributing medicine.
The 11 affected communities, consisting of altogether 239 households, are in Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Samphanthawong, Bang Kho Laem, Yan Nawa, Bangkok Noi and Khlong San districts.
CAPTIONS:
Top: A sandbag wall built on the bank of Chao Phraya river.
Home Page: Pol. Gen. Asawin and the swollen Chao Phraya river. Photos: Siam Rath
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