The Thai capital of Bangkok has been declared safe, as authorities report that runoff from the North of the country has moved past the city.
According to officials, the flood problems show sign easing and that many parts of the capital would definitely not become flooded.
The Royal Irrigation Department said that some low-lying areas around the eastern suburbs that lay outside flood protection barriers may experience a rise in water levels, but the flooding has been contained.
- The city has been declared safe.
Affected areas include Klong Sam Wa, Lat Krabang, Min Buri and Nong Chok districts.
However, for the rest of Bangkok, residents could rest assured.
The bulk of water from the Northern provinces has flowed past the capital and emptied into the sea, according to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Theera Wongsamut.
- Flood protection at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport seems to have worked with the rising waters not causing any disruptions to incoming or outgoing flights.
The peak of rising waters reached the capital on Saturday when the water level measured 2.29 metres at Memorial Bridge, one centimetre below predictions forecast by the Royal Irrigation Department.
He said that floodwater throughout the provinces would stabilise and gradually recede.
“I can confirm that the biggest water mass is behind us now,” Mr Theera said, adding that the Chao Phraya River would not burst through floodwalls protecting Bangkok.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said that any flooding within the protected areas was a result of rainfall and not the northern water runoff.
The city also has protection including high-capacity sluice gates that assist in controlling the ebb and flow of water during periods of high tide.
- Flood protection along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok.
The 6km flood barrier along Khlong Hok Wa Sailang, which serves as the main defence for northernmost districts of Don Muang and Sai Mai, has been rebuilt.
Reports of northern and eastern districts being vulnerable to advancing water from the North that has submerged communities and several industrial estates there .
A spokesman for the Royal Irrigation Department said that while the worst was over, high levels would remain present in the near future.
The reason for this is due to the slow movement of water from the fields as it makes its way to the Chao Phraya River.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday presided over the launch of 500 boats in Nonthaburi to help push water in the Chao Phraya River, the Bang Pakong River and Tha Chin River out into the sea.
How did Bangkok stay safe?
- How Bangkok’s flood protection diverted the flow of water, preventing a catastrophic outcome for the city.
