New water flow threatens Phimai Historical Park

Once again, the Phimai Historical Park and the museum are in danger of being flooded. A large amount of water from some overflowing reservoirs will flow into Phimai district tomorrow and Wednesday. In some places that are already under water, an additional 30 cm will be added.

Along the Chakkarat Canal, a 1,2 meter high embankment with sandbags is being built on the orders of Minister Prasert Boonchaisuk (Industry) to prevent the Historical Park in particular from flooding. The museum is already protected by two rows of sandbags of 1,5 meters high.

Saturday night was already flowing run-off from neighboring areas into Phimai, raising the water level of the Chakkarat Canal by more than 10 cm and flooding 829 public housing units. The water reached a height of 40 to 60 cm. More than 2.500 residents are trapped; authorities have sent flatboats to evacuate them. At the Phimai market, the water rose by 50 to 60 cm yesterday. Government buildings near the canal are already under 50 to 60 cm of water.

The Moon River overflowed its banks in Surin province. Three thousand rai of rice fields in three districts were flooded. The connection between Yang Boripom village and Ban Taklang elephant village became impassable due to the strong water current.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department announced yesterday that 16 provinces are still under water. It concerns 3.162 residential communities with 174.970 people. The provinces of Chachoengsao and Prachin Buri were worst affected. Since September 17, 47 provinces have been affected by flooding. The death toll is now 80.

(Source: Bangkok Post, October 28, 2013)