Flood slightly drops in Pathum Thani after opening of sluice gates widened

BANGKOK, Nov 20 Floodwaters in Pathum Thani, adjacent to the capital of Bangkok have dropped slightly after authorities agreed to widen three sluice gates as requested by Pathum Thani residents during yesterdays negotiation.

The water level in Pathum Thanis Lam Luk Ka district has reportedly fallen about three centimeters to 2.52 metres.

Meanwhile, the authorities are still keeping close watch on water levels in Bangkoks Sai Mai district, adjacent to Pathum Thanis Lam Luk Ka district, after the widening of three sluice gates - Khlong Phrayasuren, Lammortaek and Khlong Song as demanded by Pathum Thani residents to drain more water from their neighbourhoods.

So far, there has not yet been any significant impact downstream in Sai Mai and Min Buri districts where the Bangchan Industrial Estate is located.

Water levels in Khlong Song of Bangkoks Sai Mai district on Sunday remained at 1.98 metres, about 0.50 metres lower than in Lam Luk Ka.

However, water released from the aforementioned sluice gates is likely to cause downstream Khlong Bangbua and Khlong Lat Phrao to recede one week later than earlier expected, said Bangkok Governor. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is monitoring the situation and may increase pumping to drain water out and minimize possible impact.

Results of Saturdays negotiation between the Flood Relief Operations Centre (FROC) and Pathum Thani residents settled a dispute with Lum Luk Ka and Sai Mai residents over the dismantling of sandbag barriers protecting Sai Mai district by angry Lam Luk Ka residents.

The negotiations came to an agreement that sluice gates at Khlong Phrayasuren would be opened by one metre around the clock and those at Khlong Mortaek and Khlong Song opened to 0.50 metres from 0.20 metres and 1.20 metres from one metre, respectively. (MCOT online news)