Floods threaten Bangkok

Bangkok is bracing itself for a critical 48 hours as floodwaters continue to threaten the capital.

The nation"s army, navy and air force yesterday started fortifying their Bangkok headquarters and activating contingency plans as defences against the impending flood.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra has warned residents of seven districts to prepare themselves for possible flooding.

In a bid to save the economic heart of the capital amid surging water levels, the government has opted to use the eastern part of Bangkok to drain massive amounts of floodwaters from the northern outskirts.

The city administration is issuing updates on the flood threat every three hours until the situation eases.

It has also drafted an evacuation plan, which could be enforced immediately if needed.

Tourism facilities in Bangkok have not been affected so far, although yesterday the authorities at Suvarnabhumi International Airport raised the height of temporary dykes and also had metre-high sandbag barriers piled up along surrounding roads in a bid to prevent flooding.


by TravelMole Asia

Thursday, October 20, 2011

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