Storm Gaemi downgraded to low pressure cell

Meteorological authorities have downgraded tropical storm Gaemi just a low pressure area, but rainfall metropolitan Bangkok will continue into Tuesday, according to the Water and Flood Management Commission (WFMC). WFMC member Roal Chitradon said the commission has monitored water drainage in Bangkok's western canals and found that water flow is better than last year. Equipped with information technology system network data, sluice gates are working efficiently. Personnel are on stand-by and the Royal Thai Navy has cooperated in dredging canals, installing pumps and providing water pushing boats. Western Bangkok is not worrying, but in the eastern reaches of the city there is concern about water draining into the Bangpakong River due to downstream flooding in Chonburi. The commission is working with city hall to drain water to canals a water pumping station to divert it directly to the Gulf of Thailand. Dr Royal said provinces experiencing heavy rainfall include Chanthaburi, Rayong, Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani and Bangkok. The storm is passing Chanthaburi and Rayong crossing over the Gulf of Thailand. Nakhon Si Thammarat and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces in the south, and Nakhon Ratchasima and Buri Ram in the northeast are also affected. In reporting the downgrade, the meteorological department said tropical depression Gaemi was now active low pressure. Torrential rain and isolated heavy rain are likely in the East, the Central and the upper South. People should beware of severe weather conditions during the next day or two.