Floods certain to hit inner Bangkok: Academics

BANGKOK, 25 October 2011 (NNT) – A leading expert has warned Bangkokians to prepare to live with floods, which may persist for a long time.

While the government seems reluctant to clarify the flood situation in inner Bangkok, Assoc. Prof. Seri Suparatit of Rangsit University has answered Bangkokians’ doubt, making it clear that the capital will certainly experience floods, which may persist for about a month. The runoff is estimated at 12 billion cubic meters, equal to the capacity of Bhumiphol Dam.

Prof. Seri affirmed that the runoff would reach Flood Relief Operation Center at Don Muang where the flood level could be 10-20 centimeters high. The water is also likely to spread to the Victory Momument but its impact would be slight thanks to the numerous canals along the way.

The runoff heading east is forecast to raise the flood level Min Buri and Lat Krabang by at least 80 centimeters. Sai Mai area has also been told to brace for floods which are likely to come in five days after which time they will flow towards Khlong Hok Wa, Khlong San Saep, Khlong Sam Wa, Nong Chok, Min Buri, Lat Krabang, Prawet and Samrong where the floods are expected to linger on for 10 days.

Samut Prakarn will be the next destination for the floods which may take 10-15 days to flow into the sea due to numerous constructions standing in their way. The situation in Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani will be stable from now on. The inundation in Nakhon Sawan and Uthai Thani will soon be gone. The flood level in Lop Buri and Ayutthaya will remain high as the runoff still has not found a way into the capital.