BANGKOK, Nov 7 – Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Monday issued an evacuation advisory notice for Bangchan sub-district of Khlong Sam Wa, bringing the total number of 12 districts under evacuation recommendations.
The governor expressed concern that more than 470 locations are now flooded, inundated beneath over 80cm water with about 800,000 people stranded in their homes. He said district offices are assigned to take care of those under their jurisdiction with food supplies and drinking water.
Mr Sukhumbhand, in his daily news briefing on the flood situation, said Bangchan sub-district in western Bangkok was included in the evacuation list. Khlong Sam Wa in its entirety was the 12th district on evacuation notice, following Don Mueang, Sai Mai, Lak Si, Bang Khen, Bang Phlat,Taling Chan, Thawi Watthana, Bang Khae, Phasi Charoen, Nong Kham and Chatuchak.
There are 50 districts in Bangkok.
The governor said more than 470 locations currently are under more than 80cm water and many residents, particularly the elderly, refused to leave their homes for shelters provided by the Bangkok Metropolitan Adminstration (BMA).
BMA officials were ordered to closely assist the areas by providing food, drinking water, relief packages and other assistance, he said.
The governor said he hopes the ‘Big Bag’ barrier, the one- and two-tonne sandbags piled as makeshift flood prevention dykes in northern Bangkok, could slow down the rate of waterflow in the northern parts of the capital.
However, the overall picture of the flood crisis in Bangkok is considered critical, he said.
The governor thanked the Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) for providing as asked doubling the number of water pumps at Khlong Hok Wa Sai Lang from 12 to 25, which could double the volume of water drained.
Mr Sukhumbhand clarified his absence from the FROC meeting this morning by saying he met with agencies collecting garbage, as floods had disrupted the service.
Bangkok’s City Clerk and the Drainage and Sewerage Department director represented him at the meeting, the governor said.
