Announcement of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Subject : Announcement on Flooding Situation in Bangkok
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M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, said that today the level of the Chao Phraya River is remarkably high and thus causes flooding in several areas next to the River. However, the overall situation has not reached the critical point yet but needs to be closely watched. At the Lower Khlong Hok Wa in Sai Mai District the water receded for 3 cm. whereas the level of the flood in most areas of the eastern part of Bangkok were very stable with only a minor changes of 1- 2 cm. in some areas.
However, there still 3 areas that are very worthwhile to be pointed out:
1. The area of the intersection of Phaholyothin Road and Khlong Rangsit as mentioned in the all earlier announcements that it is not in the area under the supervision of BMA. BMA had merely provided the taskforces to urgently alleviate the seriousness of the problem and has called the government or any responsible agency to further undertake the tasks. Thus far there has not been any respond from the units. It is unfortunate to mention that now the flooding is reaching the Memorial Site at the beginning of Viphavadi Road and expected to reach the Don Mueang Airport soon.
2. The level of water in the Khlong Prem Prachakorn is still increasing.
3. The level of the Chao Phraya River causes a great concern to BMA since the rapid and unexpected rise of the river up to the level of 2.40 m. was recorded and the consequences of which are flooding in the areas of 5 districts, namely, Dusit, Pranakorn, Sampanthawong, Bang Plad and Bangkok Noi. Several of those areas had been fixed with only a few are under the operation of fixing.
The Governor stressed that upon the inspection of Siriraj Hospital this afternoon it was found that the hospital faced the problems of leakages through its barrier along the Choa Phraya River. The barrier was constructed by the hospital for a long time ago so BMA had deployed the taskforces to fix the leakages and also to reinforce the barrier to the height of 3.00 m. from 2.80 m.
The Governor warned that the situation along the River for tomorrow would be as of today which caught BMA and people residing along the river off guard. Since the high tide of the river would be around 4.00 pm. tomorrow so BMA strongly urges those living outside the barrier along the river in 13 districts comprising of 27 communities and about 1,200 households to move to the centers of flood relief operation of each district. The Governor would like the general public to clearly note that this announcement is not a notice for evacuation but it is intended to urge the public concerned for a move to temporary shelters for the sake of safety. The move should not be later that tomorrow morning. However, those residing within the barrier, if feel unsecured, may also move to seek temporary shelters at the centers.
Regarding the attention required for patients in the hospitals and community health centers of BMA, it should be noted that the preparation plan had been devised for a long time ago. In implementing this plan, BMA now moves all the patients from the Lad Krabang Hospital to Sirithorn Hospital, both of which belong to BMA so that the former hospital will have all beds available for those incoming patients affected by the flooding.
