BANGKOK Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the metropolis is in critical situation with cumulative rainfall that started at 4 p.m. on Thursday (Sep.24) having reached nearly 300mm as of 6 a.m. this morning (Sep. 26) with the public urged to avoid 17 routes, Naewna newspaper and Amarin TV said.
Amarin TV’s reporters said many areas of the capital were flooded as of 7 a.m. this morning with gridlock traffic due continuous heavy downpour for the past two nights.
The Meteorological Department’s Announcement No. 10 warned of heavy to very heavy rain across Thailand with this alert effective till tomorrow. The weather conditions are driven by a strong low-pressure zone covering the Central region and intensifying southwesterly monsoon winds.
Affected locations include sections of Vibhavadi Rangsit road (where water levels reached knee-high); Phetchaburi-Ekkamai area; Rama 9, North Ekkamai roads; New Phetchaburi road; Phatthanakan market area (Soi 68-70); Nut Soi 39 and 46; Iam Sombat market; Srinagarindra Soi 24; Suan Luang Phatthanakan (near the canal and the entrance of Phatthanakan Soi 20); Asok-Din Daeng road; Phahonyothin road (in front of the 11th Infantry Regiment heading toward Bang Khen roundabout); the area near Bang Khen police station; and Prachakon road in Lat Krabang district.
In some spots, floodwaters rose high enough to nearly submerge car roofs. Vehicles stalled mid-journey, while motorcyclists had to turn off their engines and walk their bikes through the water. Residents rushed to move belongings to higher ground with some coordinating with high-clearance pickup trucks for assistance, while others contacted rescue teams to help the elderly and children who were unable to leave their homes.
Additionally, electrical leakage was detected in some areas, causing significant alarm among the public.
Chadchart said today, the highest levels were recorded in Bueng Khwang (Min Buri district), Khlong Sam Wa, and Saphan Sung, ranging from 260 to 274mm. Incessant rain has affected the eastern side —including Chaeng Watthana, Lat Krabang, and Bang Chan — with nearly 300mm falling over the past day and a half.
However he added that while the rain and floods are heavy, the situation is being managed.
Conditions have not yet improved, as rain continues to drift in from Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani, a swirling weather system that is not moving away. Although water levels stabilised for a time, pumping operations must be accelerated, especially given the risk of further rainfall with constant monitoring and pumping efforts required, he added.
Regarding traffic, 17 routes to be avoided as of 6 a.m. this morning are as follows:
1/ Vibhavadi road: Chatuchak – Lak Si – Don Mueang section;
2/ Din Daeng road: Din Daeng intersection – Asok-Din Daeng intersection;
3/ Phahonyothin road: Lat Phrao intersection – Kasetsart university – Bang Bua – Lak Si – Saphan Mai;
4/ Suwinthawong road: Min Buri – Wat Saen Suk;
5/ Srinagarindra road: Bang Kapi – Hua Mak – Phatthanakan – On Nut – Seacon Bang Na;
6/ Ratchadaphisek road: Rama IX – Huai Khwang – Lat Phrao Intersection;
7/ Ratchayothin road: Ngamwongwan – Kaset intersection;
8/ Lat Krabang road: In front of Suvarnabhumi airport;
9/ Ramkhamhaeng road: Ramkhamhaeng university – Bang Kapi – Saphan Sung;
10/ Phatthanakan road: Entire route;
11/ Lat Phrao road: Ratchada-Lat Phrao intersection – Wang Thonglang – Bang Kapi;
12/ On Nut road (Sukhumvit 77): On Nut 17 – Srinagarindra – Prawet;
13/ New Phetchaburi road: Makkasan – Asok – Thong Lo – Ekamai;
14/ Chaeng Watthana road: Lak Si – Chaeng Watthana expressway;
15/ Sukhumvit road: Bang Na – Udom Suk;
16/ Phahonyothin road (Inner section): Saphan Khwai – Ari;
17/ Ram Inthra road: The Monument – Ram Inthra Km. 2.
CAPTIONS:
Photos on this and Front Page show flooding in Suan Luang, Khlong Tan, Phra Khanong, On Nut and Prawet areas. Credit – Coordination centres and Praram Radio Centre 199 – published by Amarin TV
Insert: Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt. Photo – Naewna
Earlier reports:
Govt launches 24-hour war room to monitor rainfall, water levels in Central region
Saen Saep canal boat service suspended amid persistant rain
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