A command center has been set up in Bangkok to deal with potential flooding as a result of Tropical Storm Gaemi, which is expected to hit Thailand on Sunday.
The artfully named Joint Operations Centre on Water Drainage in Low-Lying Areas has been assembled at the Bangkok Thai Tower off Phayathai Road and will remain open until Oct. 31.
Science Minister Plodprasob Surassawadee has urged people “not to leave home” on Oct. 7-9, when massive rainstorms from Gaemi are expected to hit. “That would allow officials to work at their highest capacity. Heads of communities should also call meetings to discuss emergency plans, but stockpiling of foods is not yet needed,” he added.
As much of one sixth of the entire Thai Army is on standby to help out with flooding. Eleven Army bases also may be used as parking spots to avoid the problem of people parking their cars on expressways, as happened during last year’s flooding.
Ten people around Thailand have been killed in flood-related accidents this year so far, the Department of Disease Control said according to the Nation. Eight died from drowning, one from electrocution, and one from unknown causes – and two of the dead were children.
