BANGKOK, Thailand – Residents of the capital are being urged to prepare for another stretch of continuous rain from 5 to 10 October, according to water-management expert Attaseth Petchmeesri, a former adviser to the Bangkok governor, who shared the warning with Thai PBS.

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Attaseth said the city need not be overly worried about runoff flowing down the Chao Phraya River from the north, or about high tides in the same period, since the water mass is not draining into the Gulf via Chachoengsao province. He noted that flooding in Khlong Chan, Seri Thai and Nawamin is receding, though slowly because the area is a vast swamp, and while the BMA has added more pumps, clearing the water will take about three days.

He suggested opening the water gate at Lat Krabang or the Prawet Buri Rom Canal so water from Lat Krabang can flow into Prawet district and on to Phra Khanong Canal for pumping into the Chao Phraya River. He also called on the BMA to coordinate with the Royal Irrigation Department for extra pumps to speed drainage from Prawet Canal, which would help Rom Klao’s floodwaters recede, and said the best option is to boost the Phra Khanong Canal’s drainage capacity with RID hydraulic pumps.

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With more rain expected in early October, Attaseth said the BMA should keep a close watch on areas still under water, as the main canals carrying water to the Chao Phraya remain full — navigation on Saen Saeb Canal is impossible because boats would strike the bridges. He added that the five water tunnels at Makkasan, Rama 9, Bang Sue, Premprachakorn and Nong Bon are crucial for draining water into the river.

-Thailand News (TN)