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Thai floods inch closer to Bangkok centre
October 28, 2011

Floods that have sparked an exodus from the Thai capital crept closer to the city centre on Friday Floods that have sparked an exodus from the Thai capital crept closer to the city centre on Friday
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Floods that have sparked an exodus from the Thai capital crept closer to the city centre on Friday, but hopes grew that emergency barriers would prevent a major overflow from Bangkok's main river.

The city of 12 million people is on heightened alert because of threats on two fronts -- a seasonal high tide this weekend that is expected to coincide with the arrival of a mass of water from the flood-stricken central plains.

So far, however, central Bangkok has only seen minor inundation in areas along the main Chao Phraya River, including near the Grand Palace, with most of the city centre still dry.

"The Chao Phraya overflowed and flooded some areas along the river but it receded quite quickly," a spokesman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said after Friday morning's high tide.

"The flooding is still serious in northern parts of Bangkok... and in three districts in the west," he added.

Friday morning's high tide -- measured at 2.47 metres above sea level -- was lower than expected, raising hopes that the river's flood barriers would prevent a major overflow.

"The Navy predicted 2.57 metres on Saturday but I think it will be bit lower based on today," said an official at the city's Drainage and Sewerage Department who did not want to be named.

"So the walls can still hold it back, despite flooding on the river banks which is usual during high tide."

At the same time billions of cubic metres of water lie north of the capital, creeping slowly southwards as the authorities attempt to channel the muddy brown liquid through the city's canals and rivers.

Areas in northern Bangkok have seen waist-deep flooding, leading to the shutdown of the city's second airport, Don Mueang.

Thousands of residents have left Bangkok after the government asked employers to give their staff a special five-day holiday.

The three-month flood crisis -- partly caused by unusually heavy monsoon rains -- has left at least 377 people dead and damaged millions of homes and livelihoods, mostly in northern and central Thailand.

More than 100,000 people have sought refuge at emergency shelters.

The crisis is taking its toll on the lucrative Thai tourism industry, with the United States joining other countries including Britain, Singapore, Canada in advising against all but essential travel to Bangkok.

AFP