Floods approach Bangkok’s rail systems, as northern provinces start cleaning up

[marmar]

By Associated Press, Published: November 6 | Updated: Monday, November 7, 9:57 AM


BANGKOK — Floodwaters from Thailand’s flood-ravaged central heartland pushed farther into Bangkok on Monday, as residents of long-submerged provinces north of the capital started to rebuild their lives.

The water slowly advancing through Bangkok’s northern and western neighborhoods is threatening the city’s subway system, two key industrial estates and the emergency headquarters set up to deal with the flooding that has claimed more than 500 lives nationwide.

Evacuations have been ordered in 12 of Bangkok’s 50 districts, with residents of the northern district of Klong Sam Wa told to leave Monday. The evacuations, which also effect parts of several other districts, are not mandatory, and many people are staying to protect homes and businesses. But the orders illustrate how far flooding has progressed into the city and how powerless the government has been to stop it.

The flooding began in late July and some provinces to the north of Bangkok have been inundated for more than a month. The waters have started to recede in recent days, revealing the massive cleanup effort that lies ahead. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/death-toll-from-thailand-floods-rises-past-500-water-approaches-bangkoks-rail-systems/2011/11/06/gIQAnCQltM_story.html