Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra made an announcement on his Facebook page today Oct. 24 at around 4:54pm, saying that “if the flood influxes into the city, the overall situation could turn very critical and BMA will inform the public 24 hours in advance.” Sukhumbahand said that rain is expected in the capital this week and acknowledged that parts of the Don Mueang area flooded today. He said that he is expecting to meet with Prime Minister Yingluck today, and that BMA’s main priorities are protecting palaces and maintaining access at Don Mueang Airport and the Flood Relief Operations Center now located there. The full text of Governor Sukhumbhand’s announcement is here:
M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra, the Governor of Bangkok, said that thus far the most important note to convey to the public is that it needs to be very watchful of the situation at all times even though all relevant indicators have not yet showed that the highest level of alert is now required. It is anticipated that Bangkok will have rainfall all this week but BMA has opened all the sluice gates with no implementation of policy of emptying all the canals to make way for the drainage of rainfall. Yesterday at 3.00 pm. the sea level was recorded at 0.98 m. and it is expected that the level will be as high as those in the past two days. However, the level of water in Khlong Tawee Watana is higher than that of yesterday at 2.30 m. with the gates presently being opened at 1.20 m. The level of water in Khlong Prapa remains unchanged and unfortunately the water overflowed Khlong Prem Prachakorn and rushed to the areas of Don Mueang District inevitably affecting the inner areas of Bangkok. The eastern parts of Bangkok remain inundated with some problems at the Bang Plad District.
The Governor stressed that if the flood influxes into the city, the overall situation could turn very critical and BMA will inform the public 24 hours in advance. BMA had designated earlier the areas of the six districts as being the areas to be so watchful of. The Governor also requested cooperation from operators of boats running along canals to keep their speed very low so as not to cause waves pounding homes and properties along the banks. The residents living out of the barriers and have not yet moved to seek temporary shelter at centers of flood relief operation of BMA are urged to take extreme cautions.
Today BMA convened a meeting of the relating agencies which several interesting resolutions and measures are adopted. All agencies must implement every measure to prevent palaces from the impacts of the flood and should any mishap happen, swift actions must be taken. BMA will further attempt to seek effective solutions for the prevention of the flooding at Don Mueang area. BMA is determined to maintain the accessibility to the Don Mueang International Airport and the Flood Relief Operation Center since FROC has important responsibilities in taking cares of people of the whole country and also the center of operation for the flood reliefs. BMA sets to take good care of the location of FROC until the Prime Minister deems necessary to move the Center to another place. The Governor related that today he expects a meeting with the Prime Minister.
M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra also emphasized that the main responsibilities of BMA are to provide cares to the people of Bangkok but it should be noted that BMA is also taking cares of people of the country since Bangkok is the capital and is also the locations of all government centers. The safety and security of people of Bangkok imply also those of everyone in Thailand. BMA has requested meetings with the management of the Lad Krabang and Bang Chan Industrial Estates since they are one of the centers of economic. Now BMA will join with the managements of the two estates in reinforcing the strength and the height of the barriers already constructed. Moreover, BMA has prepared examinations on chemical toxic substances so safe environment would be provided. BMA has also requested the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to specially monitor electrical systems of the drainage system of the City. Finally, the Governor said that BMA is in dire needs of assistance in filling sand bags so volunteers are kindly invited to join and share their efforts. The meeting venue is at Krung Thep Kreetha Road intersecting with Rom Klao Road of the Lad Krabang District.
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Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra. Photo: Bangkok Governor Facebook Page
