'Bangkok Ignored Warnings'

BANGKOK, Nov 03, 2011 (IPS) - This sinking mega-city’s eight million people are paying the price of ignoring warnings over many years concerning its climate vulnerability and the incapacity of its soggy foundations to handle flooding.

For over a week now large swathes of the Thai capital, built on a flat marshy delta with some sections below sea level, have been submerged by floodwaters. Streets have turned into rivers, with boats and bamboo rafts ferrying desperate families.

Only the upper floors of houses, factories and shopping malls are now visible with no sign of the waters receding in the next few weeks.

Anupong Taduon, scratches his head for answers to a deluge that has affected thousands. "The water level has not dropped since the first day," says the 52-year-old from behind the sandbagged entrance to his karaoke bar. "We may have to live like this for three or four weeks."

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