Major floodwaters that have already inundated much of central Thailand should reach Bangkok sometime over the next week and could cause flooding in the city.
Most at risk are 27 communities in 13 districts that are not protected by flood prevention walls in eastern Bangkok. The 13 districts are Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Samphanthawong, Bang Kholaem, Yannawa, Khlong Toey, Bang Phlad, Bangkok Noi, Thon Buri, Khlong San, Rat Burana, and Thawi Watthana.
The Bangkok Post has reported that flooding is most probable from Oct. 20-24 when the northern floodwaters will be met with a high tide from the ocean and potentially strong rain. The Nation, however, says that Oct. 16-18 will be the most critical for the capital.
Bangkokians in some parts of the city have begun stockpiling food and water in preparation for potential flooding, and Prime Minister Yingluck has urged those living in eastern and northern Bangkok to move valuables to higher ground. Yingluck canceled planned diplomatic visits to Singapore and Malaysia to deal with the flood crisis, MCOT reported. She chaired a meeting at the National Relief Flood Center yesterday morning Oct. 9 in Don Mueang, after which she sent off caravans of trucks carrying 2,000 sets of flood relief supplies, 12 mobile toilets, 300 life jackets, 2,000 bottles of drinking water, 1,200 tents, and 65 boats to flooded areas.
The government has urgently called for the public to donate more sandbags to help with the flood prevention effort in Bangkok – about 700,000 are needed. The government has also warned that evacuations may be necessary and has set up evacuation centers in schools amongst other locations, the NNT reported. Deputy city clerk told the Nation that 80 evacuation centers capable of holding 8,000 to 10,000 people have been set up in nine districts.
15 locations in inner Bangkok that are most at risk of flooding are: Chan Road-St. Louise-Sathu Pradit (Sathorn district); Phanon Yothin Road near Khlong Sam Sen (Phaya Thai); Sukhumvit Soi 105 (Bang Na); Sukhumvit Soi 39 and 49 (Wattana); Lad Phrao Road (Wang Thonglang); Navamin Road (Bung Kum); Ratchadaphisek Road in front of Robinson’s (Din Daeng); Lad Phrao Road at Ratachadaphisek (Chatuchak); Ratchathewi Road at Petchaburi (Ratchathewi); Nikhom Makkasan Road (Ratchathewi); Prajaejeen market on Rama VI Road (Ratchathewi); Petchakasem Soi 63 (Bang Kae); Yen Akat Road (Yannawa); Srinakarintara Road (Prawey); and Sanam Chai – Maha Rat Road (Phra Nakhon), according to the Bangkok Post.
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