BANGKOK, Nov 24 — The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is on high alert keeping watch on the flood status in inner Bangkok fearing that the dismantling of the giant sandbag ‘big bag’ barrier at Don Mueang’s Directorate of Air Operations Control intersection on Phahonyothin Road could increase the water level at Kaset intersection and Lat Phrao, according to Deputy City Clerk Chumphol Sampaopol.
He said pulling down the flood barrier could delay the drainage of water and would prolong the presence of floodwater in the clogged areas.
However, the latest report on Thursday by the BMA’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage found no significant change of water level.
Bangkhen District Chief Watcharaporn Kawayapanik said that although the water level remained unchanged after big bag barrier was dismantled, small lanes along Phahonyothin Road remained under water 60-80 cm deep.
If there is additional water from opening the wall, he said, draining flood water will take more time as pumping water also depends on the water level in major canals.
Some 400 residents in housing estates in the Phahonyothin, Sai Mai and Don Mueang areas face continued deep floodwater because of the big bag barrier. However, they received some relief Wednesday from the dismantling of the makeshift dyke made of 1-2 tonnes of sand bags at Don Mueang’s Directorate of Air Operations Control intersection.
As for the opening of three sluice gates at Khlong Mahasawat wider from 75 cm to one metre as demanded by Nonthaburi residents, the BMA’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage said that the water level is still manageable.
Wider sluice gates at Khlong Khun Sri Burirak, Khlong Kwai and Khlong Soi were meant to rapidly drain the flood to alleviate the hardship of Nonthaburi residents. However, he said BMA reserves the right to adjust the sluice gates if the water affects the Bangkok residents.
MCOT
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