[Bangkok:] Mega waves still to come

Two masses of water set to swamp north, east of city; Bangkokians advised to start storing tap water

October 25, 2011

Somruthai Sapsomboon, Panya Thiewsangwan, Prapasri Osathanon

The Nation

While the flood situation in Bangkok remained relatively stable over the weekend, the capital faces the threat of deluge from two huge masses of water northeast of the city over coming days, a senior Royal Irrigation Department official warned yesterday.

"The first mass of water has left Rangsit canal briming, and spilling over the parallel Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok road [running in an east-west direction] north of Bangkok, which doubles as a flood barrier," said the official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the news.

The second mass of water, now trapped further north beyond the Klong Luang road in Pathum Thani [which also runs east-west], was also building, and would soon cross the road to add to the first, he explained.

"When these two lots [of water] combine, in the next few days, they will amass and break through barriers along Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok road and head to further inundate Lak Luk Ka district in Pathum Thani, then Don Muang in northern Bangkok," he said.

"The first lot is already inundating areas near Klong 1, 2 and 3 on the Phaholyothin Road side, but the Klong Luang road cannot hold the second lot for much longer."

Flooding in these areas near Klong 1, 2 and 3 cannot be drained westward through Phra-in Racha water-gate, as the doors would only be damaged by strong currents and huge influx.

The spill-over from the first lot of water was also moving east and swamping a motorway section linking Bangkok and the East, the official said.

People living in flooded areas could expect to be underwater for another month, as water further north coming toward Bangkok was equivalent to the capacity of Bhumibol Dam, at around 12 billion cubic metres, Rangsit University flood and water management expert Dr Seri Supharathit said.

Bangkok residents are advised to stockpile tapwater, as the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority governor Charoen Phassara yesterday described the tapwater situation "as worse than expected".

Meanwhile, Bangkok officials were preparing to prevent possible flooding at three key areas - royal palaces, Don Mueang Airport and industrial estates in Lat Krabang and Bang Chan, the Bangkok governor said yesterday.

MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra told reporters he had instructed city officials to take special care of palaces at risk of flooding due to their proximity to six city districts expected to be flooded when runoff from the north reaches the capital. These are Don Muang, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Chatuchak, Bang Sue and Sai Mai.

City officials have issued a warning for residents in the six districts - in northern Bangkok - to move belongings to higher places in preparation for possible flooding.

Sukhumbhand said the BMA would work to the best of its ability to defend the "old" airport, which houses the government's Flood Relief Operation Centre (FROC), to ensure the centre continues to work without interruption.

Floodwalls were also strengthened around the Lat Krabang and Bang Chan industrial estates on the eastern outskirts, where some of the runoff water is expected to pass.

He promised to put up the best protection for Bangkok - inner and outer areas alike. "I will not abandon any Bangkok area - whether it's inner or outer. I will not allow any area to be flooded [for a long time] unless it is inevitable. When there is flooding, the water will be pumped out quickly."

Floodwalls in the east of the city would be strengthened. He called on volunteers to help fill sandbags at Krungthep Kritha-Romklao Road in Lat Krabang today.

Sukhumbhand said some roads in north Bangkok, such as Sirindhorn, Phaholyothin, Vibhavadi-Rangsit, and Sai Mai, were partly flooded.

He also warned of possible flooding in northern parts of the city due to higher water levels in canals such as Hok Wa, Thawee Watthana and Prem Prachakorn. This was due to the opening of city gates to help speed up water into the sea.

Some 88 spots in eastern Bangkok - particularly roads and communities in low-lying areas along canals - have already been flooded due to recent rains. Nong Chok was the worst hit.

The governor said leaks in temporary flood-walls along the Chao Phraya River - such as those at Rama VII Bridge and Bang Krabue intersection - had been repaired.

The governor expressed concern it might rain in Bangkok later this week. He said rain would mean officials would have to spend longer pumping water out. "However, the BMA's water-pumping system is still working well and there is no problem."