The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has prepared 2.5 million sandbags to brace for the risk of high water surges from tomorrow until Oct 10 due to the release of flood water from the North, as heavy rain and high tides are forecast.
Jessada Chandraprabha, deputy director of the BMA's Drainage and Sewerage Department, on Wednesday expressed concern about the flooding situation in the capital as accumulated rainfall has exceeded 100 millimetres on average.
Accumulated rainfall over the whole of last month was about 801mm, which surpassed last year's level of 300-500mm.
The capital may also encounter water volume problems caused by an increase in sea levels, ongoing heavy rain and water from the North, Mr Jessada said.
"The BMA has set up 2.5 million sandbags to reinforce a defence line along the Chao Phraya River including other flood-prone areas," he said.
"The drainage capacity of the main canals will be boosted to help divert water to other canals -- such as Bang Sue, Chuad Yai, Bang Khen and Prem Prachakon canals -- to reduce the risk of flooding."
He said more than 30 pumps will also be set up at each water-pumping station, and staff will deal with rubbish promptly to boost pump capacity.
"The Drainage and Sewerage Department will also coordinate with the Royal Irrigation Department to drain water from Hok Wa Sai Lang and Prawet Buri Rom canals into the sea," Mr Jessada said.
The Drainage and Sewerage Department's acting director, Wassana Sinbenchapon, said officials have been sent to monitor flood-prone areas following flood alerts in 11 provinces in the Central region including Bangkok until Friday.
"The sturdiness of defence lines along the Chao Phraya, as well as the Bangkok Noi, Maha Sawat and Phra Khanong canals will also be inspected," Ms Wassana said.
The department also coordinated with the Marine Department to monitor the force of waves hitting communities outside the defence line caused by boats, she said.
