Heavy rain continued in Bangkok on Saturday morning, causing flooding at 11 locations, while 32 provinces across the country are on full alert for heavy rain, possible flash floods, forest runoff and landslides in risk areas from tomorrow to Tuesday.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s flood prevention centre reported that the 11 flooded areas in the capital on Saturday were sections of Chaeng Wattana, Ratchadaphisek, Ngam Wong Wan, Chim Phli, Sanamchai, Ratchada-Sutthisan intersection, Kamphaeng Phet 3, Phahon Yothin, Srinakarin and Prachasuk roads. Water was about 15-20 cm high, said the centre.
BMA workers are racing against time to drain floodwater from the affected area.
At 1pm on Saturday, the BMA tweeted floodwater has been cleared in all sections of Ratchaphisek Road.
Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department director-general Chatchai Promlert also said on Saturday that the department has coordinated with 32 provinces in the North, Northeast, the East and the South to put in place measures to deal with heavy downpours triggered by tropical storm Mujigae.
Mr Chatchai said he has asked provincial disaster prevention and mitigation offices in those provinces to closely monitor the weather around the clock during this period. Rapid deployment teams and necessary equipment are on standby to help affected residents as heavy downpours may possibly cause flooding, runoff and landslides, particularly in risk areas, he added
Of the 32 provinces, 13 are in the North. They are Phitsanulok, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phetchabun, Lampang, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan and Phrae.
Another 10 are in the Northeast — Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Sakhon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mudahan, Bung Kan, Nong Khai and Udon Thani.
Four are in the East — Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trat. The remaining five are in the South — Ranong, Phangna, Phuket, Krabi and Trang.
Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department said on Saturday tropical storm Mujigae, which was over the South China Sea, was moving west-northwest at 18 km/h.
It was forecast to move across Hainan Island and make landfall in upper Vietnam on either Sunday or Monday.
Thailand will be affected by the storm from Sunday to Tuesday, said the department.
Traffic slows to a crawl on Ratchada Road Saturday morning.
Police direct traffic near the Lat Phrao-Ratchada intersection.