BMA fully prepared for impacts of Gaemi storm

BANGKOK, October 5 (TNA) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is fully prepared for coping with the approaching Gaemi storm, forecast to pass through Thailand over the coming weekend. As part of the preparation, the BMA's Department of Drainage and Sewerage has released water from main canals in the capital and has worked together with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives' Royal Irrigation Department to drain more water out to the sea through Chacheong Sao province in the Thai East. According to the Drainage and Sewerage Department's flood control centre, concerned officials have also been assigned and water pumps have been installed in all areas at risk of flooding in the capital. The department acknowledged, however, that high water levels have remained in some canals, mostly in the city's eastern side, due to accumulated rainwater over the past two weeks leading to a higher amount of water outside sluice gates than their standard levels by 20-30 centimetres. The department's flood control centre reported that downpours in Bangkok overnight were not influenced by the Gaemi storm but by a monsoon trough. (TNA)