AUTHORITIES in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya are reinforcing flood defences at important riverside temples and historic sites as rising releases from the Chao Phraya Dam push water levels higher across the province.
On Thursday, levels continued to rise in the Chao Phraya, Noi and several tributaries, affecting riverside communities and areas outside flood embankments.
Officials have stepped up preparations to protect important locations, particularly historic monuments.
At Wat Kasattrathirat Worawihan in Ban Pom subdistrict, beside the Chao Phraya River, the water was rising steadily and the current remained strong. The level was about 30cm below the temple’s outer riverbank.
More than 30 monks and novices, together with military personnel, were installing a modular flood barrier along an inner section of the temple grounds.
The barrier stretches 120m and stands 1.9m high, designed to prevent water from the Chao Phraya from reaching important areas within the temple.
At the historic Wat Chaiwatthanaram, Fine Arts Department officials have installed a 1.9m-high prefabricated flood barrier along approximately 165m of the Chao Phraya riverfront.
Despite the rising river, Wat Chaiwatthanaram remained open to Thai and foreign visitors. Main roads and access routes to the historic site had not been flooded, allowing tourism to continue as normal.
Amornrat Kruengkrai, chief of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district, said continued increases in releases from the Chao Phraya Dam were starting to affect residents living outside flood embankments.
Around 50 households had been affected in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality and in Ban Mai, Khlong Takhian and Phu Khao Thong subdistricts. — The Nation/ANN
