We’re in alert right now. Older folks in the neighborhood warn us of the possibility of another flood. Some of our friends already moved their valuable things on the first floor to their 2nd floor. They already bought and stocked food, drinking water, candles and other necessities. If we based on the weather, it’s unlikely to have flood because the weather’s been so good to us except for occasional rain in the evening and very chilly dawn that made you wish you have heated mattress pads to keep you warm. But yet, it’s better to be prepared than be sorry later. You see, Hatyai City will be submerged if the dam in Sadao will be opened. A moderate southwesterly monsoon covered the Andaman Sea, the South and the Gulf of Thailand. These conditions had caused torrential rain in the Central area including Bangkok and nearby provinces, as well as the East and upper South. And we’re in South folks…*sigh*….

Just yesterday, I heard from the news that there’s a plan to evacuate people from 13 districts and eastern zones of Bangkok located outside flood barriers because some parts of the capital will be submerged by overflows from the Chao Phraya.

The weather bureau said Saturday that a monsoon trough still covering the lower Central and Eastern region would develop into a low-pressure cell in the centre of the South China Sea.

Eastern parts of Bangkok likely to be flooded are Min Buri, Nong Chok, Lat Krabang and Klong Sam Wa.

The 13 districts at risk are Bang Sue, Dusit, Phra Nakhon, Samphan Thawong, Bang Kholaem, Yannawa, Klong Toei, Bang Plat, Bangkok Noi, Thon Buri, Klong San, Rat Burana and Thawee Wattana.

Some nine canals in the capital would also be flooded, the National Disaster Warning Centre also warned.

The centre reported that the level of water in Bangkok was rising drastically, especially in Klong Bang Phrom, Klong Bang Wak, Klong Prem Prachakorn, Klong Lat Phrao, Pak Klong Talad, Klong Bang Sue, and Klong Maha Sawas. Officials were urged to prepare relief for people living in areas at risk of being flooded.

Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said Saturday that torrential rain caused flooding in 17 areas across Bangkok. Ratchadaphisek Road was the hardest hit area. “We will still handle the flood situation in Bangkok,” he assured.

The level of water around the intersection between Ratchada and Lat Phrao was 30 to 40cm deep, which paralysed traffic in the area.

Other areas affected were Ratchayothin intersection, Lat Phrao intersection, Lat Phrao Soi 22, Ngam Wong Wan Road, Kaset intersection, Pradit Manoo Tham Road, Phaholyothin, Srinakarin Road and Nawamin Road.

I pray hard for the safety of the people here in Thailand. Please pray for us here in Hatyai City that we’ll be spared. I can’t imagine having to undergo such mess again we experienced last November 1, 2010. 

So help us God.