All Bangkok police stations were ordered on full alert to rescue motorists who might become stranded on flooded roads in the capital on Wednesday evening.
National Police deputy chief Pol General Damrongsak Kittiprapha said Police commissioner-general Pol General Suwat Jangyodsuk had instructed all stations to be vigilant for possible heavy downpours in the evening.
The urgent instructions came after the Meteorological Department warned that Wednesday evening could see heavy rains and floods amid a strong monsoon.
Officials expect traffic chaos in the evening – similar to
the jams on Wednesday morning – after several areas in Bangkok were hit by floods following heavy downpours since Tuesday evening and late into the night.
Many roads were cut off due to high water levels, causing drivers to abandon their cars on the streets and wait out until the flood subsided. Heavy traffic congestion was also reported in several areas on Tuesday as people rushed home from work.
Damrongsak said all police stations were told to prepare contingency plans in case vehicles break down in the middle of roads because of flooding.
He said Acting Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan voiced concern about problems faced by motorists so he instructed the Royal Thai Police to come up with measures to help drivers who might get trapped on inundated roads throughout the rainy season.
Published : September 07, 2022
By : THE NATION