Bangkok: The Prime Minister is concerned about heavy rain and flooding in Bangkok. Orders all units to move forward with 10 measures to cope with the rainy season. ONWR joins forces to speed up planning for the entire system. prevent "Rainwater - Northern water - Support water" meet. Mr. Surasee Kittimonthon, Secretary-General of the National Water Resources Office (ONC), revealed that Prime Minister Settha Thavisin is concerned about the water situation in the 2024 rainy season, from the possibility of a La Niña condition. Including the forecast for the amount of rain, this year there may be approximately 10% more rain than last year. Therefore, it is feared that it may affect the Bangkok and surrounding areas. The Prime Minister therefore called the relevant units in Bangkok, ONWR, Ministry of Interior. The Ministry of Defense, Department of Corrections, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DPWH), etc. attended a meeting to discuss preparations for dealing with flood problems. By instructing B angkok ONWR and ONWR closely monitor the water situation and strictly implement the 10 measures for the 2024 rainy season. Ready to integrate all agencies in planning to prioritize water management and providing assistance to the people. By giving priority to high-risk areas that are slum communities. Because every time it rains, there is flooding in the community area. People's daily lives are very difficult. The Prime Minister Emphasis is placed on all agencies creating a tight plan to deal with the situation in order to quickly and directly solve the problem. Ready to expedite dredging of canals and build water barriers to be completed by June 2024 before heavy rain falls in September 2024, as well as preparation of drainage systems and water pumping stations. especially the drainage tunnel To be able to use it to its full potential In addition, he urged Bangkok to expedite the preparation of an action plan according to the government's 10 measures to deal with the rainy season. both predictions Target r isk areas and notify the public Preparing machinery, tools, drainage systems, and personnel in risky areas. Check readiness to monitor security and safety, water barriers, embankments, and water barriers to increase the efficiency of water drainage. Ready to strengthen the public sector network in providing accurate water situation information. and creating awareness Water situation information and public relations service center As well as monitoring, evaluating and adjusting measures to be in line with the danger situation, etc., as well as continuously reporting to ONWR for acknowledgment. The Secretary-General of ONWR further said that the main cause of flooding in Bangkok is and the surrounding area comes from 3 causes: "rainwater" that falls heavily in the area, "Northern water" that flows from the northern and upper central regions, and "backwater" which is the condition of sea water rising. Therefore, solving problems must be integrated and worked together to plan a systematic response. From the uppe r, middle and lower areas before draining the water to the sea. By Bangkok and the Royal Irrigation Department Will closely monitor the northern water situation and set criteria for joint water management. The Royal Irrigation Department will cut off the top and delay water in the upper areas using monkey cheeks such as Thung Bang Rakam, Bueng Ratchanok, Bueng Boraphet, etc. It is expected that water will be able to store more than 1,000 million cubic meters and then gradually release it into the central and lower areas. Lower As for the central area, traffic management and drainage will be planned. By diverting some water to the east side through the Chainat-Pa Sak canal and diverting it to the west side through the Makham Thao canal, the Tha Chin River and the Noi River. To reduce the amount of northern water that will flow through Bangkok. and the surrounding area as well For the lower areas of Bangkok, prepare to monitor flood risk points, which are 737 points, by hastening to check for leaks in flood protection lines. Along the Chao Phraya River Bangkok Noi Canal and Maha Sawat Canal along with arranging sandbags in areas without permanent defenses Vulnerable teeth and low-level defensive areas and inspect water pumping stations to be ready for use 24 hours a day, including monitoring weather information, water situations, and expediting weed eradication. Garbage and other water obstructions as well as requesting cooperation from the Department of Corrections and the Royal Thai Army. To expedite the dredging of drainage pipes throughout Bangkok. At the same time, prepare in terms of personnel, materials, equipment, and appropriate machinery. along with instructing officials at water pumping points to be able to expedite problem resolution according to the set plan Especially in community areas and economically important areas. Including preparing plans for integration with other agencies. related agencies, such as the Department of Highways, in helping to speed up flood drainage on roads, etc., as well a s having people in the community help monitor and notify risk areas or damaged embankments, returning to ONWR to coordinate with responsible agencies to carry out repairs. in time which is sure that It will be able to effectively reduce the impact and mitigate damages that may occur. The Meteorological Department issued an announcement regarding storm "Malixi" stating that at 1:00 a.m. today (June 1, 2024) Tropical Storm "Malixi" moved ashore in the area of ??Yangjiang, Guangdong Province. China and at 04.00 the center was at latitude 21.9 degrees north, longitude 111.8 degrees east, with maximum wind speed near the center approximately 65 kilometers per hour. The storm is moving slightly north-east at 15 kilometers per hour. It is expected to weaken into a depression. and a strong low pressure area, respectively, in the next period This storm has no impact on Thailand. But people who will travel to the area are asked to check the weather conditions before traveling during this period as well Source: Thai News Agency