Bangkok:Bangkok Governor Chatchart Sittipunt anticipates that 90% of the city's major roads will be dry within two days, with a primary focus on the eastern region. Initial efforts are directed towards reducing water levels in canals, particularly before addressing roads and villages.
According to Thai News Agency, the flooding situation in Bangkok is showing signs of improvement as the rain has ceased, and water levels have receded in multiple areas. The weather forecast does not predict further rainfall for the day. Areas such as Chin Khet village and most of the Klong Prem Prachakorn canal are drying up, with the Lat Phrao area also seeing improvements, despite some remaining water in locations like Ramintra Soi 5 and around Ratchaprakarn 11.
The Khlong Saen Saep canal's water levels are beginning to drop, especially near Wat Thep Lila, facilitating accelerated water drainage from adjacent areas. The Khlong Chan area is also expected to gradually improve. However, concerns persist in eastern Bangkok, particularly in Lat Krabang, due to the lengthy Khlong Prawet Buriram canal, which is slow to drain. The Sai Mai area needs close monitoring for water levels from the Pathum Thani province border.
If there is no further rainfall, it is estimated that approximately 90% of major roads will dry within two days, allowing traffic to resume normally. Secondary roads, side streets, and residential areas are expected to take longer to dry due to their low-lying nature. Roads requiring continued monitoring include Ramkhamhaeng, Serithai, Nawamin, and Luang Phaeng.
Governor Chatchart clarified that the previously mentioned 7-day timeframe was aimed at expediting relief in severely flooded areas, not guaranteeing a complete recession of water levels citywide within that period. The amount of rainfall and canal water levels remain critical factors. Despite some areas being flooded for several days, the focus remains on managing road water levels before deploying water pumps to assist communities with standing water.
Some major canals still have high water levels, with over 40 points needing attention, especially the Prawet Buriram Canal and the upper Saen Saep Canal. During initial pumping stages, water levels in the canals may decrease slowly due to continuous inflows from neighboring areas. Once canal water levels sufficiently drop, it will expedite the removal of water from communities.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is utilizing boats to expedite water movement in Khlong Saen Saep towards the drainage system and plans to increase the number of water pumps in community areas. Coordination with government and private sectors is underway to secure suitable equipment, as some pumps have been operating continuously and need replacement or backup equipment.
In terms of upstream water and tidal surges, the BMA continues to monitor the situation with the Royal Irrigation Department and other agencies. Currently, no significant impacts on rainwater drainage in the city are observed, but vigilance is necessary for communities outside flood barriers along the Chao Phraya River and for potential water inflows into eastern Bangkok. There is no current need for evacuations in areas outside the flood barriers.
To aid the public, the BMA has adjusted food delivery systems in affected locations to provide more precise assistance. If district offices cannot meet food demands, BMA school facilities will help prepare and deliver food, optimizing transportation routes to directly reach affected areas.
Some communities, villages, and buildings in isolated areas may not receive adequate assistance. The BMA is monitoring information from district offices and social media to verify and provide location-specific help. More high-clearance vehicles and small boats are needed to access narrow alleys or remote areas, especially in eastern Bangkok.
In areas where floodwaters have receded, cleaning efforts and waste collection will commence. The BMA will also address garbage accumulation, stagnant water, and mosquito issues in still-affected areas, providing essential supplies like powdered milk and diapers.
Governor Chatchart acknowledged the dissatisfaction of residents whose homes have been flooded and emphasized the BMA's commitment to expediting problem-solving and distributing aid to affected areas. He urged those who have not yet received assistance to provide their details so officials can follow up.