A torrential downpour struck Bangkok in the early hours yesterday, leaving at least six major roads submerged until nearly midday when the floodwater was at last drained, according to the city's flood control and prevention centre.
Roads in which certain sections were hit hard by the flooding were Phatthanakan, Sukhumvit (between Soi Bearing and Soi Lasalle), Srinakarin, Lat Phrao, Ramkhamhaeng and Suwinthawong, said the centre.
The average flood water levels were between 15cm and 20cm.
Flooding started around 2am and continued until about 7am, the centre said.
The highest amount of rainfall was measured at 137.5mm in Nong Chok district, followed by 109.5mm in Bang Na district, 104mm in Min Buri district, 100mm in Saphan Sung district and 97mm in Suan Luang district, the centre added.
Flooding in the capital yesterday morning was partly blamed on the repair of water pumps and drainage systems in certain areas, including Soi Bearing on Sukhumvit Road.
Bangkok deputy governor Chakkaphan Phewngam, meanwhile, insisted the Department of Drainage and Sewerage (DDS) has not stopped tackling flood problems even though the rainy season has ended.
The department normally begins repairing water pumps and sluice gates, dredging canals and cleaning up drains in the dry season in preparation for possible flooding in the next rainy season, he said.
Yesterday's flooding resulted from the torrential rain coupled with higher-than-usual levels of water in the city's canals during the dry season, he said.
Normally, in the rainy season, the department drains water from the canals to the lowest possible level, he said.
Narong Rueangsri, director of the DDS, responded to complaints that flooding in the Klong Chan housing project area in Bang Kapi district lasted a long time. Residents said drainage there appeared slower than anywhere else.
Mr Narong said this was due to the high amount of rainfall of more than 100mm and the high level of water in Klong Phangphuay.
Not all four water pumps installed in the areas could operate simultaneously due to some technical glitches involving oil leakages, he said.
After the rain yesterday, temperatures in the capital are expected to begin dropping from tomorrow until Saturday, said Suthas Wisakul, director of the Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute.
Temperatures are likely to drop to below 20C and may fall as low as 17C, he said, adding that another major temperature drop is expected some time around the middle of next month before summer arrives.
Flooding was also reported elsewhere in the country in Pattaya City of Chon Buri province and certain parts of Prachin Buri.
Several roads in Pattaya City were covered with floodwater about 20cm to 30cm deep at 10am after a torrential downpour yesterday.
As a result, small cars were unable to navigate through them.
Heavy rain that continued from Tuesday night until yesterday morning in all seven districts of Prachin Buri resulted in flooding on a 1-kilometre section of the Kabin Buri-Chachoengsao road.
