A new flood-prevention measure has been adopted to protect Nong Chok district in eastern Bangkok from being inundated if the three major canals, which are full to the brim, overflow when the tide hits its peak between October 15 and 17.
Under the measure, dubbed the Nong Chok model by Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, residents also have easy access to sandbags and wood needed to build dykes or makeshift bridges. In addition, mobile toilet units and extra water pumps have been installed in many areas in Nong Chok district, but drainage is slower than expected as all canals are at their peak.Sukhumbhand has instructed officials in Lat Krabang, Min Buri and Klong Sam Wa, all in eastern Bangkok and prone to flash floods, to adopt the same model in their flood-relief operations.
The governor said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is capable of handling the flood situation in the capital and that the government should deal with problems elsewhere in the country.
"The BMA does not need help because we have all the equipment needed to provide public services. People in the provinces are suffering far more than in Bangkok, so the government should focus on helping them.
"This is not a matter of pride, but it is a necessity that the BMA should be able to take care of itself while operating full-scale public services," he explained.
Meanwhile, authorities in Samut Prakan are directing water from canals and catchment areas in Muang district to estuaries to minimise the risk of Suvarnabhumi Airport flooding.
Navy vessels are also helping out by driving water out of the Chao Phraya River, Governor Cherdsak Choosri said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/new/national/BMA-takes-steps-to-stop-flooding-in-east-Bangkok-30167144.html
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