Bangkok residents have been told to brace themselves for intense flooding and given emergency helplines in case the water rises too high.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's (BMA) 24-hour emergency flooding number is 1555, or alternatively 02 248 5115, Governor Apirak Kosayodhin said yesterday. Three other helplines are being run by radio stations: 1137 of traffic radio Jor Sor 100; 1677 of Ruam Duay Chuay Kan community radio; and 1644 of Sor Wor Phor 91 station.

BMA teams have been readied to tackle complaints and water pumps are available in likely areas of flooding.

Floods are expected throughout Bangkok's low-lying areas when rainfall reaches 100mm.

Apirak and BMA bosses discussed assistance yesterday to help the capital cope with the monsoon's peak in the coming weeks. Waterways and roadside culverts are also being cleared.

Numerous sandbags are ready to build embankments near waterways.

Flash-floods are being forecast near Uttaradit, where many people drowned last month.

Officials in Phetchabun are preparing for possible mudslides in 11 districts in the province

containing around 300 villages.

In Khao Kho and Lom Kao districts, people living in low-lying areas in the water's potential path have been evacuated to higher ground.

Areas where major mudslides killed many residents six years ago are receiving particular attention.

Officials have been trained to report emergency incidents and conduct rescue operations.

Provincial governor Torphong Amphan said officials in areas prone to flooding and mudslides had been trained to deal with any incidents.