Rains flood Bangkok, paralyse traffic
Rama VI Road in the city became heavily inundated last night following torrential rains, which caused traffic congestion in many areas.
|
|
|
Torrential rain lashed inner Bangkok yesterday evening causing widespread flooding and paralysing traffic across the city. Officials said some areas were submerged under 80cm of floodwater.
The rain started at about 3pm and by 5pm many roads were inundated including the business areas of Silom, Surawong, Si Phraya, Sukhumvit and Rama IV as well as around Siam Square and Siam Paragon mall where floodwaters spilled across footpaths. The mall decided to allow its customers to park their vehicles at the parking lot free of charge until the floodwaters recede. Many vehicles broke down in the heavy floodwater, especially at the Na Ranong Intersection, which was covered by 70-80cm of water, as well as Phetchaburi and Sukhumvit roads where 20-60cm of water was reported. Soi Sukhumvit 1 was flooded with knee-level water. FM 91 Traffic Radio Station reported a blackout of traffic lights at three major intersections including Hua Lampong, Wire-less Road and Khlong Toei. Commuters reported being stuck in their cars for more than an hour and there was a constant stream of updates on the situation being phoned in to the traffic station. Other flooded roads were Phrompong intersection, Khlong Tan, Din Daeng, Lang Suan, Sarasin, Phraya Thai, Ratchathevi, Sri Ayudhaya, Rama VI and Tuek Chai intersection. Floodwater was also reported at Ratchadaphisek, Lat Phrao, Ramkhamhaeng, Samsen, Banglampoo, Phaholyothin and Ngarmwongwan. Motorists flocked to expressways to try to avoid the flooded inner city roads, but the congestion meant traffic barely inched along. Drivers were reporting that their vehicles stranded completely for more than an hour.
|
