Watergate to be opened to drain runoff : PM
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In the latest attempt to alleviate the flood crisis in many provinces, all water gates will be opened to drain the massive runoff from the north.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said the public should not panic to see the water levels increase in many of Bangkok water routes.
“The opening of the water gates will make the water levels rise. The move will help us control the volume of runoff from the north. I want the public to understand this and not panic,” she said.
She said the new measure would mean that the water runoff will flow into Bangkok, but it should not inundate the roads. Bangkok authorities would have pumping machines to pump the water out to the waterways.
The water would then go to San Saeb, Prawet and Song canals before running to the sea.
The premier was speaking after meeting with the water experts, including Irrigation Department director general Chalit Damrongsak and former Bangkok governor Pijit Rattakul, at the National Flood Relief Centre in Don Mueang Airport.
She said the building of water barriers was still necessary to help slow down the water currents. Some experts have been critical of the building of water barriers, saying these will block the waterways. The strength of the floodwaters has already destroyed barriers at several sites.
Telling the public should not be panic, Yingluck suggested people to move their belongings to the second floor. If their houses are in lowlying areas, people should move their vehicles to higher ground.
