RISING seawater flooded many areas of Samut Prakan today (Nov. 17) with several roads turned into canals and the flooding likely to worsen tomorrow, Amarin TV said this afternoon.
Seawater started flowing in at 8 a.m. this morning with a two-lane road from Phra Samut Chedi junction to the entrance to Pom Prakan village completely submerged for over two kilometres.
In some places the floodwater was 80-90cm high with drivers either having to cautiously go through the floods or U-turn and travel by other routes. Motorcycle riders faced greater risk with some bikes breaking down in the middle of the flooded road.
Ms. Lamyai Aiemwong, 56, a noodle vendor at Suk Sawat-Pom Phra Jun road, said she has been running this noodle shop for six years now and is always hit by rising seawater. Not only does the floodwater flow into the shop, the waves caused by fast-driving motorists further damage the goods. Even though there are signs telling them to drive slowly it does not work and it also takes a long time for the floodwater to recede.
She has to use chains and ropes to tie up things in the shop because they tend to float away.
Pol. Lt. Col. Ong-art Srithong, a traffic police inspector at Phra Samut Chedi police station, said the public was warned in advance about seawater rising today. However it turned out to be worse than last week and tomorrow it will be even higher.
Fortunately today is a holiday but as tomorrow is the first day of the week commuters, including students, who have to use this route will be affected and they should plan their journey in advance.
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Flooded roads in Samut Prakan and Ms. Lamyai Aiemwong at her flooded noodle shop. Photos: Amarin TV
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