Authorities reported flooding in Bangkok’s riverside districts, warning provincial officials to prepare for another high tide today.
The neighboring provinces of Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao and Nonthaburi also faced flooding, local media reported.
According to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), districts along the Chao Phraya River were the hardest hit, including Bang Phlad, Yannawa, Samphanth
Sathorn Pier in Silom district, Bang Na Pier and Charoen Krung Road were also affected by flooding.
Around 09:55 a.m. yesterday, the high tide reached a monthly peak at 1.33 meters above sea level, the Hydrographic Department of the Royal Thai Navy said.
Experts from the department predicted that high tide from the Gulf of Thailand would surge between November 7 and 11 twice a day, affecting communities along the Chao Phraya River in both Bangkok and Samut Prakan.
Moreover, they said today’s high tide could reach 1.31 meters by 11:26 a.m. and urged people to take precautions.
The department admitted that the actual water level reported yesterday was much higher than its forecast of 1.20 meters. However, it explained that such predictions were made one year in advance based on astronomy.
Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said the BMA had miscalculated high tide water levels and offered residents in the capital and adjacent areas an apology for the situation.
In a message posted on his official Facebook profile, he wrote: “BMA would like to apologize to all people who are affected by the overflow of the Chao Phraya River today.”
Meanwhile, the governor ordered the Department of Drainage and Sewerage to drain water from the flooded Song Wat Road in Samphanthawong district to facilitate the traffic flow on Monday.
Governor Aswin said the flooding on Song Wat Road was above the footpath level and had started flowing into houses but added that officials had deployed pumps to quickly drain water from the area.
Also, the City Hall reinforced sandbag walls in Yawarat and other risk areas to avoid further flooding.
