Authorities have identified 37 flood-prone spots in Bangkok in the face of a coming tropical depression.
Traffic Police chief Pol Maj-General Piya Tavichai yesterday said Bangkok residents should avoid all of the spots if possible.
Among these spots are a portion of Rajavithi Road between Suan Dusit Rajabhat University and the Krung Thon Buri Bridge; a portion of Phya Thai Road in front of the Livestock Development Department; and a stretch of Ratchadaphisek Road in front of Robinson Department Store.
Sanya Chenimit, deputy permanent secretary of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), said some of the capital’s low-lying spots had already been drained in preparation for possible rain.
Based on what he has seen so far, Sanya expects the coming depression to affect the city only indirectly.
“It may cause light rain, but will not bring any serious downpours,” he said.
As part of the preparations, Sanya said officials had been instructed to conduct constant checks to ensure that no garbage blocked drainage pipes. Clogged pipes are often blamed for flooding.
He added that people could ease the problem of clogged pipes by putting garbage into bins.
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department director-general Chatchai Phromlert said the depression would increase rainfall in Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Roi Et, Si Sa Ket, Surin, Sa Kaew, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat during the next two days, the Nation reported.
