The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is keeping a close watch on the flooding situation in inner Bangkok following the dismantling of the bigbag barriers in the Don Muang area.
The removal of the barriers at the Directorate of Air Operations Control intersection on Phaholyothin Road on Wednesday could possibly increase the water level at Kasetsart intersection and Lat Phrao, said deputy city clerk Chumphol Sampaopol.
He said pulling down the flood barrier could delay the drainage of water and would prolong the presence of floodwater in the clogged areas.
However, the latest report on Thursday by the BMA’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage found no significant change in the water level.
Bang Khen district chief Watcharaporn Kawayapanik said that although the water level remained unchanged after the big bag barrier was dismantled, small lanes along Phaholyothin Road remained under water 60 to 80 cm deep.
If water were to increase as a result of dismantling the wall, draining of the floodwater would take more time, as pumping also depends on the water level in major canals, he said.
Some 400 residents in housing estates in the Photofinishing, Sai Mai and Don Muang areas have been forced to live with continued deep floodwater because of the big bag barrier.
However, they received some relief Wednesday from the dismantling of the makeshift dyke made of 12 tonnes of sandbags at Don Mueang.
As for the opening of three sluice gates at Khlong Mahasawat from 75 cm to one metre as demanded by Nonthaburi residents, the BMA’s Department of Drainage and Sewerage said that the water level is still manageable.
Widening the opening of the sluice gates at Khlong Khun Sri Burirak, Khlong Kwai and Khlong Soi was meant to rapidly drain the floodwater to alleviate the hardship of Nonthaburi residents.
However, he said BMA reserves the right to adjust the sluice gates if the water affects Bangkok residents.
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