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Published on September 18, 2007

Water drainage operations should be made in a concerted effort with good coordination, Apirak quoted His Majesty as saying. Water gates need to work in all the areas involved and water catchment areas should be fully utilised to ensure the greatest efficiency possible, he added.

He said the King suggested that all government agencies concerned conduct new surveys to update their information needed in solving the flood problem.

Apirak said he would collaborate with the Royal Irrigation Department and authorities in nearby provinces to tackle the problem.

Meanwhile, thousands of commuters were helplessly snarled in gridlocked traffic in Samut Prakan yesterday morning as a result of heavy flooding from Sunday's storm.

After hours of barely moving, many decided to return home when it appeared there was little chance of the traffic clearing.

Traffic flow along Srinakharin Road was just as bad.

One office worker said it usually took her about half an hour to reach her office. "But it took me three hours this morning," she said.

Department of Drainage and Sewerage deputy director Sanya Cheenimit said Sunday night's heavy rainfall produced almost 10 per cent of the annual total, causing canals to overflow and flooding on many roads and sois.

Sanya said the department had drained water in canals off the Chao Phya River and if there was no rain yesterday he expected the roads would be back to normal.

However, Bangkok residents should be prepared for more floods due to heavy rain expected in the next two days.

The Nation