Days of heavy downpour has caused flooding in many areas in Bangkok, Thailand. The hardest hit was in Rangsit municipality where the level of the Rangsit Prayoonsak canal increased by 1.8 metres. Motorcyclists and drivers were advised to avoid flooded routes where water is more than 40 cm deep, possibility of damaging their vehicles is high at such depth.
According to Bangkok Post, following the flash flood in Rangsit, a senior official of the Royal Irrigation Department (RID) was transferred away from his regular duties (Pathum Thani province, near Rangsit) of responsibility.
Moreover, the director of Southern Rangsit Operation and Maintenance Project, Bowdaeng Takaew, has been transferred to the office of RID deputy director-general until further notice, as reported by RID on Saturday. This shows how quick Thailand reacts to emergencies such as flood.
Many speculate that the order was due to the project’s failure to maintain water pumps at the Chulalongkorn sluice gate, leading to heavy flooding in Rangsit municipality. Bowdaeng revealed that Rangsit had 20 water pumps in operation but 9 of them broke down.
Consequently, a total of 55 water pumps have been deployed to remedy the flooding and more have been requested. In fact, military personnel have been helping out with the local flood command centre, distributing sandbags to residents to protect their homes from flooding.
As for Malaysians, the flash flood in Bangkok hits too close to home as December floods in 2021 were one of the worst in Malaysia’s history. Just last month, residents in Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam were hit yet again by another flash flood caused by heavy rainfall.
Louis is an automotive writer whose background was in the legal industry. Jumping from law firms to car dealerships, he finally found a career he loves and will never have to work a day in his life. He enjoys detailing his car and going to the gym during his free time.
