Deluge surprises Bang Bua Thong

Bang Bua Thong district was caught off guard when the flood surged into Nonthaburi early yesterday, leaving thousands of residents stranded in their homes without enough food and waiting impatiently for assistance.

The municipality is asking for donations of barges to distribute relief supplies. An estimated 1,000 people are believed to be trapped in a government housing estate.

The estate, with 62 affordable flats, is surrounded by chesthigh water. A tenant is calling for help and can be contacted at 0894977615.

The flood water averages 1.5 metres in most areas, which are now accessible only by boats and military trucks.

The escape of flood victims to schools and temples has been disorderly, as evacuation plans were not activated.

A group of residents complained about a Cabinet member visiting less critical areas elsewhere, and officials with provincial authorities busy welcoming the dignitary and failing to take care of them.

The flood arrived in Nonthaburi and inner Bangkok through Prapa Canal at about 3am.

Residents living nearby panicked, driving out to fill their tanks and seek parking spaces on high ground, while shopping for food and supplies until store shelves were bare.

About 300 flood refugees have taken shelter in the Public Health Ministry's compound and many officials are sleeping over in their offices.

Extra measures have been laid on to ensure better safety for the ministry's computer and database centre, and flood barriers have been reinforced around the compound.