ID :
147430
Tue, 10/26/2010 - 10:14
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Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/147430
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Bangkok on high alert as Chao Phraya overflow merges with high tides
BANGKOK, Oct 26 -- Thailand's capital city of Bangkok is on high alert Tuesday bracing for an expected inundation as the Chao Phraya River surges highed due to run-offs from the North, peak high tides and continued rain.
The high tide is expected to reach its peak at around 9am, as the water level in Bangkok surges extremely close to the 2.5-metre flood safety level.
The Meteorological Department announced on Tuesday that an intense high pressure from China has extended its ridge to cover northeastern Thailand. It is expected to cover northern, central and eastern Thailand today. Thundershower and then cooler weather, 2-4 degrees Celsius drops with windy are likely in the areas.
Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Monday expressed concern over Tuesday's anticipated rising Chao Phraya River level as flood waters from the North make their way downriver to the sea, with expected rainfall possibly adding severity to the rising water levels.
He assured the public the facility is well-equipped with personnel and equipment to monitor the situation and rainfall, as well as its data linkages with the Meteorological Department, the Irrigation Department and Hydrographic Service to alert at-risk areas with timely rapid responses.
Gov Sukhumbhand warned, however, that the rising Chao Phraya River remains critical as the flood waters flowing down from the North at the rate of 4,573 cubic metres per second to add with high tides and expected rainfall. He added that if Tuesday rainfall does not exceed 60 millimetres, the capital will be able to cope with the situation, but if the overall rainfall is greater than 100 millimetres, it will inevitably affect 27 communities along the river which lie outside the city flood-prevention dyke.
The Bangkok governor conceded the main concern is the flood-prone 27 communities along the river and the eastern part of the capital which comprise low-lying areas such as Lad Krabang, Nong Chok, Min Buri and Klong Samwa, including Srinakarin Road.
Meanwhile, former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, in his capacity as chair of the flood coordination centre, said it was predicted that at 9.09am Wednesday, the river was to reach its highest tides between 2.30-2.40 metres, but he asserted that the BMA stands ready to cope with the situation.
He expressed confidence that there would be no flooding in inner Bangkok areas. The centre will do its best to coordinate cooperation among concerned agencies to reach people in dire need.
The Cabinet at its weekly meeting on Tuesday is expected to approve its plan to increase reserve funds from Bt50 million to Bt100 million for provinces in the north and northeast to respond to flood-related problems.
The Cabinet would also specially consider measures to help each family affected by floodwaters individually after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had assigned a number of related agencies to study the details. (MCOT online news)
The high tide is expected to reach its peak at around 9am, as the water level in Bangkok surges extremely close to the 2.5-metre flood safety level.
The Meteorological Department announced on Tuesday that an intense high pressure from China has extended its ridge to cover northeastern Thailand. It is expected to cover northern, central and eastern Thailand today. Thundershower and then cooler weather, 2-4 degrees Celsius drops with windy are likely in the areas.
Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra on Monday expressed concern over Tuesday's anticipated rising Chao Phraya River level as flood waters from the North make their way downriver to the sea, with expected rainfall possibly adding severity to the rising water levels.
He assured the public the facility is well-equipped with personnel and equipment to monitor the situation and rainfall, as well as its data linkages with the Meteorological Department, the Irrigation Department and Hydrographic Service to alert at-risk areas with timely rapid responses.
Gov Sukhumbhand warned, however, that the rising Chao Phraya River remains critical as the flood waters flowing down from the North at the rate of 4,573 cubic metres per second to add with high tides and expected rainfall. He added that if Tuesday rainfall does not exceed 60 millimetres, the capital will be able to cope with the situation, but if the overall rainfall is greater than 100 millimetres, it will inevitably affect 27 communities along the river which lie outside the city flood-prevention dyke.
The Bangkok governor conceded the main concern is the flood-prone 27 communities along the river and the eastern part of the capital which comprise low-lying areas such as Lad Krabang, Nong Chok, Min Buri and Klong Samwa, including Srinakarin Road.
Meanwhile, former Bangkok governor Apirak Kosayodhin, in his capacity as chair of the flood coordination centre, said it was predicted that at 9.09am Wednesday, the river was to reach its highest tides between 2.30-2.40 metres, but he asserted that the BMA stands ready to cope with the situation.
He expressed confidence that there would be no flooding in inner Bangkok areas. The centre will do its best to coordinate cooperation among concerned agencies to reach people in dire need.
The Cabinet at its weekly meeting on Tuesday is expected to approve its plan to increase reserve funds from Bt50 million to Bt100 million for provinces in the north and northeast to respond to flood-related problems.
The Cabinet would also specially consider measures to help each family affected by floodwaters individually after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva had assigned a number of related agencies to study the details. (MCOT online news)
