Thousands stranded: residents and dogs!
More than 60,000 residents were stranded in more than 100 communities in Thanya Buri district in Pathum Thani late yesterday, awaiting immediate evacuation, a mayor said.
The stranded residents reside in 48 communities and 70 housing estates but did not relocate when the flood first arrived, the mayor of Thanya Buri municipality Theerawat Leenawarat said.
He called on the government to help get shelters ready to accommodate the residents and for all-terrain vehicles for transport them to safety.
A large number of people continued to camp on traffic islands on Phaholyothin Road from Rangsit to Bang Khen junction after their homes in the area were inundated. Inbound and outbound traffic are now using reversible lanes along this section but diverted to other routes as Phaholyothin Road south of this has been flooded.
Another section linking Phaholyothin Road with Khlong Luang-Nong Sua Road to the eastbound motorway has also been flooded, with water to 80cm deep.
Meanwhile, Nonthaburi’s Wat Suan Kaew has been hit hard by the flooding.
Abbot Phra Phayom said the 130-rai temple compound was 99 per cent underwater late yesterday. He estimated the damage at about Bt200 million.
A large number of dogs, farm animals – among 1,000 stray dogs held at a shelter there – had drowned. Those still alive had been evacuated to a temple outside Bangkok. Two Wat Suan Kaew branches in Buri Ram and Ayutthaya were also flooded.
About 20 volunteers turned up yesterday to help move the animals. People were urged to give food as many dogs were starving.
About 200 dogs were taken to a wildlife centre at Wat Khao Luk Chang in Phetchaburi run by the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT).
WFFT volunteers have also been rescuing dogs stranded in Ayutthaya for more than a week. Many pets were starving and howling for their owners who evacuated without taking them. Some were stuck in a flat complex belonging to a police unit while some drowned.
Dogs taken south by WFFT personnel were being given a medical check at Cha-am. WFFT boss Edwin Wiek said the animals would be held at an upgraded quarantine centre for about four to six weeks then returned once the floods have subsided.
He said the group was seeking donations to help feed the dogs. For details and pics: www.facebook.com/#!/WildlifeFriendsFoundation
