Bangkok has seen so much rain in recent weeks that many might be forgiven for asking for a ‘rain check’. Yet the wet weather brings more than puddles – it revives memories of the devastating 2011 floods, when vast areas were underwater. This year, however, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is ready. Authorities have reassured that comprehensive measures are in place to prevent history from repeating.
On October 8, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt took the media on a boat ride along the Chao Phraya River to showcase new flood-fighting strategies. He reassured everyone that the capital is well-equipped to handle northern runoff, high tides and heavy rainfall and that current water levels are much lower than they were 14 years ago.
As of October 6, the major dams across the Chao Phraya Basin – Bhumibol, Sirikit, Kwae Noi and Pa Sak – hold a whopping 2.04 billion cubic metres of water. Key monitoring stations, such as C.298 in Pathum Thani, recorded flow rates of 2,421 cubic metres per second, a far cry from the 3,930 cubic metres per second during the 2011 floods. Even with high tides expected between October 9 and 12, officials don’t expect river levels to breach the permanent flood defences.
The forecast through October 14 calls for scattered heavy showers, thanks to weakening low pressure from tropical storm ‘Matmo’ and a shifting monsoon trough. Working closely with the Royal Irrigation Department, the National Water Command Centre and the Office of National Water Resources to stay ahead of the weather.
The Big Mango’s approach is smart and practical. Along the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok Noi Canal, Maha Sawat Canal, Chak Phra Canal and Phra Khanong Canal, flood defences help drain water from the north down to the Gulf of Thailand. In total, the flood barriers stretch about 88km.
During the rainy season, vulnerable spots along levees, known as temporary gaps, are reinforced with sandbags. Mobile water pumps are always on standby to whisk away excess water and emergency teams are ready around the clock to respond to any leaks or breaches.
With all these measures in place, Bangkok faces the rain with confidence. So while the rain keeps falling, we can walk the streets a little lighter, knowing that lessons from 2011 have turned the metropolis into a smarter and more vigilant city.