Big problem: A vehicle teetering on the edge of the massive sinkhole that opened near Vajira Hospital in Bangkok. — Reuters
The Governor of Bangkok Chadchart Sittipunt says rain control and drainage measures are in place at the Vajira Hospital sinkhole, with repairs and traffic plans under way.
The sinkhole, measuring more than 30m by 30m, appeared on the morning of Sept 23 after soil was washed away by leaked water from a main tap water pipe into an underground subway construction tunnel.
As part of the repair process, workers began pouring concrete on the night of Sept 26 and continued to do so until about 2am, putting in more than 200 cubic m in total. The concrete was poured gradually to control flow and ensure proper setting, creating a strong, stable base across the affected area.
The Governor explained that if rainfall exceeded 100mm, water in the sinkhole would reach only about 10cm deep. The situation would not be worrying, he said, because water pumps had already been installed to drain it.
Once the road is fully repaired, officials will remove the blockages from the pipes to restore normal rainwater drainage.
About 400 lorries would be needed to transport construction materials to the site, which could cause heavy traffic congestion in the area. — The Nation/ANN
