BANGKOK GOVERNOR Chadchart Sittipunt warned that a big mass of water coming down from the North compounded with discharges by Bhumipol and Sirikit dams has increased water levels in the capital to almost equivalent to the huge surges during the big floods in 2011 but better coordination will ensure the inundation will be less severe, Naewna newspaper said late afternoon today (Sep. 12).
Chadchart reassured that by liaising with the Royal Irrigation Department and other relevant agencies Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is better prepared to cope with water levels swiftly rising higher if another big storm hits the country and there should not be a repeat of the huge 2011 floods.
He inspected Chao Phraya river embankments and oversaw filling 10 gaps with sandbags to prevent water from overflowing into abutting communities. He also checked embankments in neighbouring provinces such as those along Klong Rangsit and Klong Mahasawat to prevent flooding in northern Bangkok.
Talks were held with neighbouring provincial authorities, such as Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi, in collaborating on water management with drainage improving because it has not rained for three days.
In the eastern zone near Chachoengsao province there are three drainage routes – Paet Riw and Pak Nam plus Khlong Prawet Burirom – with the water flowing to Phra Khanong pumping station but because this is a winding canal it does slow down drainage.
Recent heavy rain had led to some areas flooding but now that downpours have stopped the water is draining out faster leading to the situation improving, Chadchart added.
CAPTION:
Brimming Chao Phraya river, above, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt inspecting the embankment along the river, first below, and a canals, embankment and a flooded road. All photos: Naewna
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