Bangkok: The Bangkok governor has ordered the expedited draining of water in canals to cope with the continued heavy rain. He has also inspected the readiness of main pumping stations and drainage tunnels. He expects the situation to improve next week.
According to Thai News Agency, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt revealed the flooding situation in Bangkok following heavy rainfall over the past two to three days. He stated that flooding often occurs when rainfall exceeds 100 millimeters, while most drainage systems can only handle 60 millimeters. This has resulted in several hours of drainage in some areas.
He has ordered the expedited drainage of water in canals, particularly Prem Prachakorn and Prawet Burirom canals, which have experienced high water levels and cannot be drained due to repeated heavy rainfall. He has also instructed the Drainage and Sewerage Department to fully manage the overall water situation, including opening floodgates and operating pumps at all stations to expedite drainage of remaining water into the Chao Phraya River. He also inspected the readiness of main pumping stations and drainage tunnels. He believes the situation will improve next week as high pressure pushes the monsoon trough southward, leading to a decrease in rainfall. He acknowledged that persistent flooding in some areas, such as On Nut 59, will require long-term solutions.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Drainage and Sewerage Department stated that the recent heavy rainfall is due to a monsoon trough passing through the area, reflecting the variability of weather conditions as winter approaches. The BMA has already implemented a pipe jacking system, which involves larger drainage pipes, to address flooding in several areas. The BMA will continue to coordinate with relevant agencies to expedite inspections of at-risk areas, open drainage pipes, and remove any debris obstructing drainage.