Bangkok flood prevention measures

BANGKOK, June 9 (TNA) -- Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang inspects the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s operation at a flood-prone area on Friday. In an effort to prevent repeated flooding in Bangkok’s Bang Na district which is adjacent to Samut Prakan province, the Bangkok Governor has ordered more water pumps and upgraded drainage system. The area of Lasalle Road of Sukhumvit Soi 50 is one of 18 flood-prone areas in Bangkok because it is low-lying and densely populated. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has come up with water management plan and preventive measures for these parts of the city. Pol Gen Aswin said as heavy rains has been forecast during the forthcoming rainy season the area was 10-20 centimeters below sea level and in flood 60 millimeter of rain. With the improved drainage system and 20 new water pumps, the capacity increased to 8 cubic-meters per second, he said. The BMA had undergone projects to upgrade flooding prevention system around the capital city, the Governor said. One of the measures was a method of pipe jacking to boost water drainage capacity at 17 locations, added Pol Gen Aswin. Water pump stations are manned round the clock to monitor flooding situation while closely following meteorological reports, according to the BMA. Other flood-prone areas are under special attention by cleaning the drainage system to allow efficient water flow. In all, 1,500 water pumps are being installed at the flood risk areas.(TNA)