Bangkok: Ferry service Saen Saeb channel discontinued
The Min Buri-Phan Fa ferry service on the Saen Saeb Canal in Bangkok has been suspended due to high water levels. Heavy rains, caused by tropical storm Narin, caused the water level to rise, submerging the jetties.
As if the devil were playing with it, but shortly after operator Krobkrua Khongson Co announced the shutdown, a boat that was still in service crashed into a steel pole of the Wat Thep Lila jetty due to the strong current. The ship was damaged and water started pouring in. Fortunately, there was still enough time for the eighty passengers to disembark. No one was injured; the boat disappeared under water.
For the second consecutive day, Narin caused heavy rain in fifty districts of Bangkok, flooding numerous roads. The rainwater exacerbated flooding in low-lying areas and in areas near canals. Some roads in Klong Toey and Don Muang turned into true waterways.
Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra yesterday visited Don Muang, the district most affected by flooding in 2011. He has instructed local authorities to keep a close eye on the Premprachakorn Canal and to prepare pumps to pump water from areas at risk of flooding.
The Meteorological Department announced yesterday that Narin weakened to a low-pressure area and moved into Myanmar. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department released new figures: the floods killed 68 people; since September 17, 359 districts in 46 provinces have experienced flooding and 4.109 villages in 93 districts in 22 provinces are still experiencing flooding.
The provinces most affected are Prachin Buri and Chachoengsao. Ayutthaya, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Buri Ram and Ubon Ratchathani are experiencing somewhat less severe flooding.
Mild floods are reported from Phitsanulok, Phichit, Chaiyaphum, Si Sa Ket, Saraburi, Lop Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Pathum Thani, Nonthaburi, Chon Buri, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Pathom and Phetchaburi.
(Source: Bangkok Post, October 18, 2013)
Photos: Water fun in Soi Ngam Duphli (Bangkok).