Armed forces, ministries, BMA rally to save city
The military will deploy another 50,000 troops, 1,000 vehicles and 1,000 boats to fight off floodwaters from Bangkok, the Defence Ministry said yesterday.
The First Army Area will defend Bangkok, and the Navy Siriraj Hospital, where His Majesty the King is receiving treatment, and Thawee Watthana district,
The Air Force will be in charge of Don Mueang airport compound and the government Flood Relief Operations Centre, said ministry spokesman Colonel Thanathip Sawangsaeng.
There are around 10,000 troops already deployed throughout the country, he said. Military reservists may be mobilised as extra helpers to assist regular troops when needed.
In already-flooded areas, the function of mass communications, traffic, tapwater and electricity must be protected.
Evacuation, when and where needed, will be conducted by the Defence Ministry under the Science Ministry's supervision. Shelters are provided by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration at more than 100 of its schools in 23 districts.
Restoration and repatriation of evacuees will be conducted by the military, the BMA and relevant agencies.
The plans were yesterday worked out by the military council and would be likely approved by the prime minister before implementation, Thanathip said.
