Chadchart apologises for floods, tells people to head home early

BANGKOK Governor Chadchart Sittipunt apologised to residents of Bangkok for the flooding in many areas today (July 21) and urged people to hurry back home this evening especially those living in the eastern zone, Sanook.com said.

The apology was issued after heavy rain last night continued till the early hours of this morning leading to many roads being flooded.

Heavy rain will likely continue for several days so the flooding will be heavy through restricted drainage, he said.

At 5 p.m. the Meteorological Department issued a warning that heavy to very heavy rain will occur in Thailand during July 21-24, 2022, Matichon newspaper said.

Many people had to wait at underground stations and bus stops or travel by other means as buses were running behind schedule because of heavy traffic congestion and the floods.

Chadchart has told all districts to bring out all their vehicles to transport people this evening and be ready to deal with the situation throughout while also informing the public of the badly affected areas.

Asked if military vehicles will be brought in to help transport people, Chadchart said it would be good if all agencies helped out but roads were of different widths and suitable vehicles were needed.

He recommended that people work from home during the current rains to avoid getting stuck in the floods.

Where this evening is concerned he said he is fully prepared especially to help those living in the eastern zone of the city near Khlong Lat Phrao and Khlong Saen Saep canals.

“If you can head home early, do so. Settle down at home, if floodwater comes in it will soon flow away. If it’s not necessary, stay home and listen to the news because in venturing out there is a chance it will be difficult to go back.

“Like last night, we thought it was only a matter of time before the floods would recede but people couldn’t go home, it was difficult, even at midnight, we still saw commuters at bus stops because they did not know how to head back,” he said.

CAPTIONS:

Top: Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt wading through floodwater today. Photo: Matichon

Below: A flooded Bangkok road. Photo: Sanook.com

Front Page: Traffic policemen at a flooded Bangkok road today. Photo: Matichon