BANGKOK

BANGKOK

La Nina to raise risk of flooding

Heavier rainfall feared in coming months; Bangkok 'at greater risk'
Instead of the wet season ending as usual in October, La Nina will play a crucial role in precipitating heavier and longer downpours for the rest of the year, putting Bangkok at greater risk of flooding during seasonal peak tides.
Tropical storm Nock-Ten brought extra rainwater and caused early flooding, while La Nina will extend the season, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Drainage and Sewerage Department reported yesterday.
The inundation of the Central region came early this season and Ayutthaya is still submerged.
Massive releases of water southwards will soon take place to relieve brimming reservoirs, the office said.
Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the grave situation this year raised concern for 27 large communities outside flood embankments if the river exceeded 1.7 metres. The dykes could cope with 2.5 metres of floods.
Phitsanulok in the lower North is still suffering from heavy flooding - at the highest level in 16 years, provincial authorities said.
The Nan River has reached 10.31 metres, short of the critical level by only 20 centimetres. The situation was described as worrying by the provincial irrigation office.
The Nan River could swell in the next few days, especially at Noi Temple and the old Rama cinema.
Mayor Premruedee Champhoonut called on residents not to fear, but remain cautious and alert for warnings from authorities.
A flood check would have to be conducted on an hourly basis and the Nan River's engorgement to 10.4 metres would be considered critical.
By then Sirikit Dam would have to drain at a higher rate to ease the situation. Phitsanulok's urban areas would be safe but flood levels would be heightened elsewhere and in other provinces.
Riverside communities or those in low-lying areas are at risk of flash floods due to sudden river surges in eight provinces - Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Chiang Rai, Nakhon Phanom and Mukdahan - while mudslides may form in five provinces - Chiang Rai, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Phayao and Nan.
Farmers from Phichit protesting against flood drainage were keeping up their confrontation at a sluice gate in Pho Prathab Chang while under close watch by police, who had to separate the two sides from fighting each other and trying to open the gate.
Those affected, living in Muang district, later retreated and threatened to launch demonstrations and block roads if the floodgate remained closed for a few more days, while those living in Pho Prathab kept guard at the gate.
In Lamphun, all eight districts have been swamped, with 37,183 people in 17,350 households in 415 villages affected.
Relief kits were distributed to flood victims through the Democrat Party, which had received donations of Bt4.2 million from the public and companies.