BANGKOK, Oct 26 – Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Wednesday warned city dwellers in all 50 districts to brace for flooding as a significant portion of the backed up floodwater from the North is arriving the capital tonight.
The governor made the announcement as he inspected the water level in Chao Phraya River, which he said is likely to be at 2.40 metres above mean sea level.
Mr Sukhumbhand alerted the public that floodwater from the North is also arriving Bangkok Wednesday night, bringing the situation to a critical point.
The governor said he has instructed all 50 districts to be prepared for flooding and expressed concern for 13 specially at-risk areas along the Chao Phraya River, as well as districts in northern and eastern Bangkok, including Lad Krabang, Nong Chok, Min Buri, Khlong Sam Wa, Khan Na Yao, Bang Khen, Sai Mai, Don Mueang, Chatuchak, and Bang Sue.
City Hall will assess the situation again this evening before announcing whether it will declare further warnings for other areas, according to the governor.
Meanwhile, flooding at Don Mueang Airport housing the Relief Operations Centre (FROC) on Wednesday reportedly expanded, covering almost 90 per cent of the runways, according to a Thai News Agency (TNA) report.
The FROC distribution centre of essential items located at the airport cargo facility, has not yet been hit, and about ten large and medium-size commercial aircraft were seen parked at the runway.
TNA said concerned officials sped up moving donated materials piled on the first floor of the airport compound to Supachalasai National Stadium in inner Bangkok adjacent to Mah Boon Krong and reinforced flood prevention dykes with sandbags.
The large numbers of volunteers who had earlier helped pack relief packages at Don Meuang were markedly reduced as the airport was enveloped by floodwater.
