Flash floods in major urban centres and cities are becoming too frequent in Asean — Phar Kim Beng
SEPTEMBER 30 — Flash floods are no longer exceptional events in Southeast Asia.They are becoming an increasingly f...
Flash floods in major Southeast Asian cities are becoming more frequent, posing a significant threat to the region's economic resilience. Bangkok, Thailand, experienced this reality firsthand with over 300mm of rain in just 48 hours, leading to the death of 23 people and affecting more than 2.6 million. The flooding disrupted transportation, businesses, schools, and even international airport operations, highlighting the vulnerability of urban centers.
This is not an isolated incident, as other rapidly growing cities like Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City face similar challenges. The issue stems from rapid urbanization, inadequate drainage systems, excessive construction, and the concentration of economic activity in large metropolitan areas. Climate change exacerbates the problem by increasing the likelihood of heavier precipitation events.
Experts urge infrastructure planning based on worst-case rainfall scenarios rather than relying on historical averages. Asean cities must adopt a multi-faceted approach to urban resilience, including improved drainage, retention ponds, wetlands, river management, permeable surfaces, advanced weather forecasting, and responsible development.
The "sponge city" concept, which focuses on absorbing, retaining, and gradually releasing rainwater, should be embraced across the region. Furthermore, the economic impact of flash floods should be recognized as a form of non-traditional security, as disruptions can extend beyond national borders and affect neighboring countries.
Asean must strengthen cooperation in meteorological information, urban engineering, and climate-resilient infrastructure to address this growing threat. As powerful engines of Asean's economic growth, Southeast Asian cities must be designed with the understanding that extraordinary rainfall is becoming less extraordinary, demanding proactive measures to ensure their long-term resilience.
Written by urgent.news from Malay Mail's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
