Bangkok drainage system working normally: Governor

BANGKOK, Sept 16 - Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said on Sunday that the city's drainage system is functioning normally but heavy downpours with the amount of water above 60 milimetres forced the time spent in water drainage to last longer than usual.

The governor's explanation came after incessant rains during the past three days flooded many areas with water as deep as 15 centimetres in some areas which clogged roads.\

Gov Sukhumbhand said water draining takes more time than normal to drain if the volume of water exceeds 60 millimetres.

Although the frequency of this year's rainfall has been less than last year, its volume however was major, easily caused clogged roads in low-lying inner Bangkok areas such as Thonburi, Bang Bon and Bang Phlad districts.

The governor said at the moment his worries is the rainfall to come, as the Meteorological Department forecast that there will be heavy rain today and tomorrow.

In a related development, the weather agency issued its latest weather Sunday warning of heavy rains of varying degrees over Thailand.

A high pressure ridge over upper Thailand affects the active monsoon trough across Central and the East. A strong southwest monsoon prevails over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand. A decrease in rain occurs over the North and the Northeast while torrential rain remains with heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Central, the East and the upper South, the weather update said.

The public should beware of severe weather conditions. The wind driven waves two metres higher are forecast in the Andaman Sea and the upper Gulf. All ships should proceed with caution during today through Tuesday.

Regarding the large volume of water from the North, he said the Irrigation Department has yet to report the amount to be released, but he is not worried as he believes that concerned agencies have learned from the past and will better manage the situation this year.

To allay concerns among those skeptical about the function of giant tunnels, the Bangkok governor assured the public that they are working normally but the water volume being drained is not large enough to start all four water pumps at the same time. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-09-16

is functioning normally but heavy downpours with the amount of water above 60 milimetres forced the time spent in water drainage to last longer than usual.

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So what he really means is, that after all the money spent, it just isn't up to the job!

Wht a crock of dog's frollocks....

-mel.

They are working as normal, as any blocked drain would?

jb1

Normally -what ever this means in Thailand.....

Yes exactly - working as normal i.e. blocked drains, slow runoff and dangerous to all traffic. Great - so what was the point of this article?

Is that the same Govenor, who last years said, that the Big Bag Barrier was essential for Bangkok's "survival"...and then opened it, because it had no effect, whatsoevrr?!

I better go and buy some bottle of water!

Congratulations to the government, they actually accomplished what they set out to do with the water drainage!

All you pessimists on here need a nice thai wife who loves to give massages for free!

I guess the Governor couldn't find the right words, and actually wanted to say " as ussual"

Unfortunately this was 'normal' yesterday ..........