Water level in Thailand under close watch

BANGKOK, November 19 (TNA) - The water level at Phraya Suren sluice gate on the outskirts of Bangkok remained high on Saturday after the gate was opened to 1.05 metres high. Bangkok authorities agreed to lift the Phraya Suren sluice gate to the current high from 40 centimetres earlier, as demanded by residents in Pathum Thani’s Lam Luk Ka district, to enable greater amounts of discharge from Khlong Hok Wa canal. Meanwhile, the flood situation in Don Mueang area was under close watch from the Drainage and Sewerage Department after flood-affected residents forced opened “Big Bag” embankments near their premises. Officials had estimated that about 400,000 cubic metres of water would flow daily from the breach, and water in Khlong Song, Don Mueang airport and Vibhavadee Road would rise 20 centimetres further. Elsewhere in the capital, although flooding had receded around Ratchayothin intersection and on Phahonyothin Road, leading to Kasetsart University, traffic police still advised motorists to avoid using the route. Public Health Minister Wittaya Buranasiri also told journalists on Saturday the overall water level in upper Thailand has dropped sharply. “More than 100 mobile medical units continue to provide patient treatment daily, and to date more than 2.18 million people have suffered from water-related illnesses, Mr. Wittaya said. (TNA)