Bangkok:Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced that the city is closely monitoring expected rainfall on Friday evening, assuring the public that local authorities are well-equipped to handle the situation. He emphasized that runoffs from the north do not pose an immediate threat to the capital.
According to Thai News Agency, a low-pressure area is forecasted to bring continued rainfall to Bangkok, with particular focus on eastern districts like Min Buri and Lat Krabang due to elevated water levels in the Prawet Canal.
City authorities are working with the Royal Irrigation Department to divert water through neighboring Chachoengsao province. They are also employing local retention basins, the Nong Bon reservoir, and drainage tunnels to manage water flow effectively.
Chadchart mentioned that while there is no risk of major flooding, localized waterlogging might occur in some areas. He anticipates that conditions will improve within two days.
City staff across all agencies have been instructed to remain on high alert through September 27. Support vehicles have been deployed to assist commuters in flood-prone areas, including On Nut and Udom Suk. Meanwhile, sanitation workers are clearing garbage that blocks drainage grates.
Regarding river runoffs from the north and high tides, the governor noted that current water levels are manageable at 80 centimeters, significantly below Bangkok's three-meter flood barrier. Even with potential northern discharges reaching 2,000 cubic meters per second, the impact would mostly affect floodplains outside the barrier walls, such as parts of Ayutthaya province.
Chadchart highlighted that over 99% of Bangkok is protected by the three-meter embankment system. Northern runoffs and local rainfall are managed through separate drainage operations. However, communities along the Chao Phraya River, like Wat Thewarat Kunchorn and the Rong See community, remain vulnerable to temporary rises in water levels.
Residents are advised to plan their evening commutes carefully and stay informed about weather forecasts.