Chadchart admits Bangkok flood is challenging issue to solve
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt admits solving the flood predicament in the Udon Suk neighbourhood of the city is a complex matter, as some of the potential solutions will have profound impacts on residents living along the canal.
An hour after the heavy rain hit the capital yesterday, several areas and roads in Bangkok were underwater, especially in Udom Suk, Bangna, and Latkrabang. The downpour also caused significant traffic disruptions in the morning.
Thai netizens shared their unpleasant experiences on the roads via Twitter and Facebook, with some reporting that they had to take the day off and return home.
Chadchart visited some of the affected areas in Bangkok to assess the flood situation and reported that he had identified some weak points that must be addressed to ease the problem.
The Drainage and Sewerage Department and the Deputy Governor, Witsanu Subsomphon, will take responsibility and follow up on the solutions to solve those weaknesses.
Chadchart reported finding ten flood spots but most of them dried up within an hour. Drains in Bangkok are relatively small compared to the amount of water hitting the city and drainage could take some time.
Areas that experienced the worst flooding were: Chalerm Prakiat Rama 9 Road, Rama 9 Tunnel, Ramkamhaeng Road, Ratchadapisek Road, Si Ayutthaya Road, Ban Thad Thong Road, Pattanakarn Road, Rama 4 Road, and Soi Sukhumvit 103.
Chadchart highlighted the flood in Sukhumvit 103 and 101/1, acknowledging that repairing the damaged Klong Klet Tunnel would pose a significant challenge and require time. While waiting for the tunnel’s repair, he mentioned that Bangkok is regularly dredging drains and canals to mitigate the problem.
Additionally, the governor expressed apprehension about the Prem Prachakorn Canal, which serves as the primary drainage route from Bangkok to the Chao Phraya River. He explained that Bangkok is constructing a dam to improve the flood situation, but the project has been delayed due to the encroachment of illegal settlements on public land in the area.
Chadchart also revealed that the more dredging is done in Bangkok, the more it impacts people’s homes, making the situation sensitive and challenging to address. He emphasized the necessity of cooperation from residents in the area to work with officials and understand the issues at hand.
Finally, Chadchart pledged that Bangkok would closely monitor the flood situation and rain forecasts and take appropriate measures to tackle the problem.
According to the Meteorological Department, thunderstorms are expected in 60% of the Bangkok area and surrounding regions from February 15 to 17, with a decrease in temperature of one to two degrees Celsius. The lowest temperature is 24 degrees Celsius, and the highest temperature is 33 degrees Celsius.
