Bangkok May Experience Even Worse Flooding in Sept-Oct, Expert Warns

Bangkok is at risk of experiencing an even worse flood than last week if no improvements will be made to the drainage systems before September.

Climate Change and Disaster Centre Director at Rangsit University and Associate Professor Dr. Seree Supratid said the flooding last week was due to an unusual amount of rainfall. The city had a record-breaking downpour of 132.5 millimetres of rain in Khlong Toei, with some areas reaching up to 160mm. These numbers reached the maximum amount in a 10-year cycle, as a two-year cycle usually records around 60mm only.

According to data from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), water levels in Bangkok’s canals increased by a metre after two hours of downpour. While Dr. Seree noted that they have already drained the canals to increase their capacity to store rainwater, they will investigate the root of the problem. At present, the city administration is looking into whether the water discharge into the river or the water pumps is what caused the heavy flooding.

Dr. Seree emphasises the need to fix the capital’s drainage system in anticipation for September and October, which is a period of high tides and water runoffs from the northern region.