BANGKOK, 17 September 2015 (NNT) - The city of Bangkok places great importance on the safety and convenience of its residents during the rainy season, orderings its officials to be on alert during times of heavy precipitation.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has instructed the Public Works Department to coordinate with agencies in charge of metropolitan public utility infrastructure. Related agencies are encouraged to contact the BMA immediately should it require any assistance, especially along the Thai National Memorial, Sukhumvit Road and Bang Na Road.
The BMA has also called for canal dredging activities. In the past, canal waste has hampered the effectiveness of the city's drainage system. Recent surveys reported a 50% decrease in large-size waste, while small-size waste remains abundant.
Since Bangkok’s drainage system is able to relieve flooding within two hours, the BMA assured the public that overnight flooding will not occur. However, commuters should still plan for traffic congestion due to rainy conditions.
Bangkok officials have expressed confidence in their flood prevention measures, especially near the city’s main canals. City authorities have forewarned residents living along canals that unpleasant odors will likely arise from the BMA reducing canals to their lowest water levels in anticipation of heavy rainfall.
Metropolitan officials have also deployed over four million sandbags along the Chao Phraya River and the city’s harbor to prevent the river from overflowing. The BMA has enhanced the effectiveness of water pumping stations along Sukhumvit Road, Lasan Road, Bearing Road, Rama 9 Road, and Asok Montri Road.
The BMA said that if precipitation exceeds 60mm, it would be able to drain flooded areas within two hours.