Evacuation ordered in outer Bangkok as floodwaters approaching

Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra issued forth statement at around midnight Sunday asking people in six districts of northern Bangkok to move their belongings to higher places and move to stay in prepared shelters. The run-off from Rangsit area in Bangkok vicinity's Phatum Thani province is on its way to Don Muang, Laksi, Bang Khen, Chatuchak, Bang Sue and Sai Mai districts in northern outer Bangkok, the statement said. The governor always warned again Monday morning that flooding situation in those areas could develop to crisis. A road in front of Donmuang Airport was flooded Monday morning inflicting difficulty for traffic in the area. The governor also asked the public to stay calm but closely watch further announcement made by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA). The agency also coordinated with the Foreign Ministry to inform foreign embassies in flood-prone areas, added the governor. Currently, the BMA and related agencies are trying to reinforce embankment on eastern side of Bangkok in an effort to divert floodwaters away from the capital. Widespread floods lashing the country since late July and continuing to affect 28 provinces in northern, northeastern and central regions have so far caused economic damage of about 400 billion baht (13 billion UD dollars), the figure of which could double if the whole capital is inundated. At least 9.4 million people have been affected and over 350 killed in the worst floods in over 50 years. A home to about 10 million people, the city is situated in the Chao Phraya delta just two meters above the sea level. This makes protection against floods difficult despite the government's efforts to divert flood waters to the city's western and eastern sides.