BMA district offices told to clear sluice gates to tackle floods
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration offices in the districts of Don Muang, Lak Si, Sai Mai, Bang Khen and Chatuchak were told to remove obstacles that blocked water drainage via the Bang Khen, Bang Pho and Bang Sue sluice gates, deputy governor Amorn Kitchawengkul said on October 5. These sluice gates have a combined capacity to drain 14 million cubic metres of water via the Klong Premprachakorn canal, but floodwaters cannot reach the gates due to many obstacles on the way, he said. This short-term solution was assigned to the five district offices and the BMA Department of Drainage and Sewerage at a meeting on October 4 following severe flooding, especially in northern Bangkok, on October 3, he said. The floods were triggered by more than 140 millimetres of rain. Though most flooded areas were cleared by 4 to 7pm, Amorn said Chaeng Wattana Road, Ngam Wong Wan Road and Tesabansongkhro posed particular difficulties.
