Plans Underway to Prevent a Recurrence of Severe Flooding

(03/02/2012)

As preparations for effective water management are now underway, the Government believes that a flood crisis will not reoccur, after Thailand suffered the worst flooding in its recent history last year. Chairman of the Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development Virabongsa Ramangkura said that despite the early arrival of rain, no severe flooding was likely to take place this year, since the authorities were rectifying shortcomings that the country faced last year. According to the Government’s flood prevention plans, he said, canals and other waterways are being cleared to facilitate water drainage. Existing embankments were being improved, while new ones are being built. Accurate information about water management has been provided and disseminated. All relevant agencies are also working in an integrated manner for water management. In addition, a major flood drill is expected to be held in August to look for problems that may arise. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra informed political and business leaders during her recent overseas trip that Thailand had emerged stronger after floods last year. The Government had set aside 11 billion US dollars to create a new and improved water and crisis management system. Dykes and barriers would be built to protect infrastructure and key economic areas. Early warning systems, business continuity plans, and the preparedness of communities would be improved. And most importantly, she said, a water management organization in the form of “single command” will be established to handle the entire water management system. In this regard, Mr. Virabongsa explained that a public organization would be formed to deal with flooding and other natural disasters on a long-term basis. A draft bill on the setting up of the new organization would be submitted to the Cabinet for approval soon. The new organization will be managed by a committee, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, with representatives from water-related management agencies as members. All relevant agencies, such as the Royal Irrigation Department, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and the Marine Department, would act in accordance with the resolutions made by the committee. Mr. Virabongsa stressed that this public organization must be free from political intervention and must operate efficiently with great flexibility in disaster management. He believed that, with efficient water management, Thailand would not suffer huge damage as it did last year. Regarding long-term flood management, Prime Minister Yingluck said that more water retention sites, known as “Kaem Ling – Monkey’s Cheek,” would be acquired. She had also instructed governors of all provinces to come up with flood prevention and warning plans to cope with the possible flooding situation.