Bangkok remains on high alert

Floodwater almost totally receded from the city center of Bangkok on Sunday after swamping the area. However, Thai authorities are on high alert against more flooding around the time of high tide expected in the afternoon.

Waist-high water from the overflowing Chao Phraya River receded overnight from the Dusit district, which is close to the Chitralada Royal Palace and government buildings.

People are moving furniture to higher floors.

Police and military officers are stacking sandbags along embankments and patrolling the area.

Severe flooding has also affected areas around Don Muang airport, where the government's flood taskforce is headquartered.

Water has begun to submerge nearby roads, prompting airport workers to pile up sandbags.

The terminal building is crowded with people fleeing the floodwater. Some have put up tents outside the building.

One evacuee says he is worried as he doesn't know how long he will have to take shelter there.

Sunday, October 23, 2011 14:06 +0900 (JST)