BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok authorities are on high alert as heavy rainfall continues across the capital, assuring residents that the city’s drainage systems are operating at full capacity, though some areas may still experience temporary flooding.
Jesada Chantraprapa, Director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Drainage Department, reported that recent rain over the past 2–3 days has exceeded 100 millimeters in several areas, with Taweewattana district receiving the heaviest at 157 mm. In the past 24 hours, rainfall reached 94 mm at Prawet-Ruam Phatthana and 84.5 mm at Bangna-Srinakarin.
While Bangkok’s extensive drainage network—including underground water banks, pumping stations, major tunnels, and canals—continues to manage runoff efficiently, certain areas still face delays in water discharge, particularly after consecutive heavy downpours. Ongoing construction, such as roadworks on Ramkhamhaeng 24, has also impacted local drainage.
At the Ekkamai pumping station along Khlong Saen Saeb, six large pumps with a capacity of 1.5 cubic meters per second were working hard to reduce flooding, but two pumps were temporarily out of service due to system overload. Repairs are underway, and the city is continuing to release water from canals to prepare for more rain.
Residents are advised to monitor BMA’s rainfall radar forecasts, which provide three-hour advance warnings and updates on water levels in streets and canals. Areas far from the Chao Phraya River may experience slower drainage, and some streets could see temporary flooding if rainfall exceeds 100 mm. Past studies have identified 737 flood-prone points across Bangkok, including zones along Ratchada, Pattanakarn, Sukhumvit 101/1, Udomsuk, and Chan Road.
The BMA has set up a 24-hour hotline (02 248 5115) for residents to report flooding or request assistance. Authorities emphasized that although this year’s accumulated rainfall is within average ranges compared to previous years, residents should remain cautious as September and October may bring heavier rain. (TNA)
