City floods easing as BMA rushes to drain out floodwaters after torrential rain

BANGKOK Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said at midmorning today (Nov. 3) significant flooding in many parts of the city caused by torrential overnight rain has started to recede in almost all areas but small alleys and low-lying zones remain inundated, TV Channel 7 and Naewna newspaper said.

The heavy downpour last night only stopped at 2 a.m. with highest rain totals being at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in Lak Si district reaching 131.5mm; Bang Na district office, 116.5mm; Phra Khanong district office, 115.5mm; and at Phra Khanong pumping station in Khlong Toei, 105.5mm.

Chadchart explained that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA’s) drainage system was designed to handle 60mm of rain but the downpour last night far exceeded that level in several areas causing significant flooding.

BMA officials have been working all night to drain out floodwaters.

By 10 a.m. floodwaters had receded in almost all areas but small alleys especially those where road construction is continuing plus low-lying areas are suffering prolonged flooding. Among these are Chang Akat Uthit Road (Soi 15) in Don Mueang district and On Nut road (Soi 59) with long-term solutions required.

Meanwhile Bangkok Remand Prison said on Facebook that the jail is closed to visitors, those coming to buy goods and deposit money due to severe flooding.

Last night’s rain storm was caused by a weakening high-pressure system due to the cold, which pushed a low-pressure trough into Bangkok. The forecast for today is that more thunderstorms will lash 70% of the city. People can monitor the rain situation on the Bangkok Flood Prevention Centre’s Facebook page and check flooding on Bangkok roads in real time at https://weather.bangkok.go.th/Flood/.

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Flooding in Bangkok including Bangkok Remand Prison. Photos – FM91 Radio and Naewna

Insert – Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Photo – Thai Rath