TEMPORARY SHELTERS
Almost continuous rain since Thursday afternoon has swelled Bangkok’s network of canals, sending murky water into surrounding homes, restaurants, shops and alleyways.
“Our problem is that the canals are full,” Chadchart said.
“We are cooperating with nearby provinces and try to drain water out through other sides, minimising the amount that flows into Bangkok.”
Once dubbed the “Venice of the East”, Bangkok is built on former marshland and rests about 1.5m above sea level.
The BMA said earlier the city’s pumping stations were operating at full capacity, drawing some 1,200 cubic metres per second combined.
AFP reporters saw residents wading or pushing their motorcycles through high waters in several districts of eastern Bangkok, while parked cars were partially submerged on one major road.
In Bang Bua district, one woman tried to salvage goods from her shop as the floodwaters came up to her thighs.
Khem Amnueilaph, an office worker who lives in Suan Luang district in eastern Bangkok, said the water in his neighbourhood was “higher than knee level”.
“My house is new so it was elevated, but some old houses near by the water have already flooded,” the 36-year-old told AFP by telephone.
“I have food in my stock for two to three days, but I may have to wade through the floodwater for food later,” he said, adding: “I have no idea how to get to work on Monday.”