Floodwaters from north flow into Bangkok

Officials have set up shelters in nine provinces across Thailand for Bangkok residents who may have to be evacuated after massive flooding Friday. Flood Relief Operation Command spokesman Tongthong Chantarangsu said the agency's preparations are for the worst case scenario, the Bangkok Post reported. Tongthong advised communities to select gathering points to meet if an evacuation is called for. Don Mueang Airport, where the FROC headquarters is located, was under nearly 20 inches of water. Airport Director Kanphat Mangkhlasiri expressed concern that floodwater might reach the airport's electricity distribution system, as the airport is 90 percent flooded. Much of Thailand has been hit by the worst flooding in 50 years, killing more than 370 people and causing much damage to the agriculture sector. Suvarnabhumi Airport deputy General Manager Suk Puangthum said Friday he was confident the 14-mile dyke would hold back water from reaching the airport, the Post said. The officials said the dyke was the Suvarnabhumi Airport's main flood-prevention system, however, "if the electrical control centers malfunction a result of water leaking into the system and the pumps cannot get rid of the water fast enough, the power supply might be affected," they said. Two senior Japanese official have flown to the airport to support flood-prevention efforts as part of Japan's flood assistance response. The arrival of the waters, which further swelled the Chao Phraya River snaking through the city, added to concerns as the city also faces the threat of high sea during the weekend. Transport Minister Sukampol Suwannathat said Friday it is not necessary to cut channels across any roads to improve drainage of floodwaters. The minister said none of the roads proposed by engineers to be cut would improve water drainage. Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has indicated the water level could reach nearly 5 feet and it may take four weeks for the water to flow into the sea.