Bangkok’s 50 district offices have been ordered by governor ML Sukhumband Paribatra to prepare for evacuations.
The Bangkok Post reported that the orders came after inspections revealed that waters had breached the floodwall at Muang Ake housing estate in Phatum Thani, considered one of northern Bangkok’s last lines of defense.
“If the water keeps rising, I am not sure if it can prevent flooding. If not, we cannot save Don Muang,” said ML Sukhumbhand. “All zones in Bangkok stand an equal chance of being flooded because we can’t predict the water flow. Right now, everything is under control. If we can’t control it, we will let people know straight away.”
The governor also said he was “on top” of the flooding situation and urged Bangkokians not to listen to rumors, according to a tweet from TAN. Public doubts about the government’s ability to effectively handle the flood situation have come to light recently, and Bangkok residents in some areas have begun hoarding food and water. Shelves have been emptied at Tescos and Big Cs around the city, Bloomberg Businessweek reported.
Former irrigation chief Pramote Maiklad said the risk of flooding was being exaggerated though, according to an article in the Nation.
He said that Sukhumvit, Lad Phrao, and Bang Kapi may see some minimal flooding but that the water would be drained out quickly. According to the Nation, October 15-16 will be critical days for Bangkok as run-offs from the North at 4,000 cubic meters per second will meet a 1.11-meter inflow from the sea causing the Chao Phraya River to rise by around 2 meters.
Floodwaters are threatening Nonthaburi, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya, and a school in the city’s Pak Kret district is already acting as a shelter for evacuated families, the Nation reported.
