REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANGKOK -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, Army and National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) chief ordered soldiers to fully and continuously help flood victims.

NCPO deputy spokesman Col Winthai Suvaree said that Gen Prayuth issued the order because some areas in the country are now flooded and the heavy downpours would continue.

Col Winthai said that all military units set up bases to monitor flooding and coordinate flood-related assistance with provincial and local disaster relief officials. Soldiers have prepared themselves, their vehicles and their equipment for swift rescue deployment.

Besides, Gen Prayuth also ordered the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to speed up drainage to minimize the impacts of rains on traffic in the capital.

Bangkok's deputy city clerk Sanya Chinimitr said rain was predicted in 70-80 per cent of Bangkok, especially in the afternoon and the evening today through Saturday, so flooding is possible in low-lying areas and where there is construction such as roads along Bangkok railways and Phetkasem Road.

He also said that if rains measured not more than 60 millimeters at a time, floodwater in Bangkok could be drained in a few hours.

In addition, the BMA lowered the levels of local canals to increase their capacities to receive rainwater, Mr Sanya added.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika