Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has instructed the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) to develop and implement comprehensive flood prevention and mitigation measures in anticipation of increased rainfall due to the La Niña weather phenomenon.
ONWR Secretary-General Surasee Kittimonthon announced that a strategic meeting was recently convened to coordinate flood prevention strategies among several key agencies, including the BMA, the Interior Ministry, the Defense Ministry, the Corrections Department, and the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department.
Prime Minister Srettha emphasized the importance of closely monitoring rainfall and flood conditions, directing the BMA and ONWR to take swift and effective preventive actions. Special attention is being given to protect residents in slum communities who are disproportionately affected by flooding. Agencies have been ordered to execute various flood-prevention activities, such as dredging canals and sewers, and ensuring the operational efficiency of water pumping stations and drainage tunnels, in preparation for the heavy rains expected in September.
The preparations also involve maintaining flood levees, readying machinery for water drainage, and establishing robust communication systems for residents to report flooding incidents promptly. The measures include coordination with the Royal Irrigation Department to manage runoff from upper Thailand and to utilize water retention areas capable of storing one billion cubic meters of water to effectively control floodwaters.
Surasee reported that the BMA has reinforced flood levees in 737 at-risk areas and strategically placed sandbags in vulnerable locations. Additionally, an initiative in collaboration with the Corrections Department has been launched to employ inmates in the dredging of canals and sewers, enhancing the city’s readiness for potential floods.
The strategic meeting saw attendance from officials across various departments, highlighting a coordinated effort to address the anticipated challenges brought by the La Niña phenomenon.
