As the planet warms, cities like Bangkok could be increasingly inundated by deadly floods
Thai authorities have declared a city-wide disaster zone following the deaths of at least 31 people.
Bangkok is bracing for potential flooding as over 15,000 attendees are set to descend upon the city for the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group's annual meetings. The Thai capital is bracing for up to 50mm (two inches) of rainfall each day from October 11-13, which overlaps with the week-long summit of finance officials, bankers, executives, and delegates from the institutions' 191 member countries.
Meteorological forecasting head Surapong Sarapa warned that the preparations come on the heels of a late-September downpour that dumped over 304mm of rain, leading to flooded roads, disrupted flights, and factory closures. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered agencies to prepare for severe flooding and prevent a repeat of the September travel chaos.
Large trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles will be on standby to transport delegates if roads flood, and hundreds of pumps are being positioned to manage the water. Contingency plans are in place based on floodwater levels, with electric BMWs to be replaced with buses if levels reach 254mm, and delegates directed onto Bangkok's rail network at 508mm.
In the worst-case scenario where floodwaters rise to three meters (10 feet), the meetings could be cancelled altogether. Anutin emphasized that there should be no disruptions, similar to those witnessed during the September event. While the incoming rain is expected to be less severe than September's, the wider water system has limited capacity to absorb another deluge.
Major reservoirs in central Thailand are nearly full, raising the risk of flooding if heavy rain continues. One major dam is already above its normal capacity, potentially releasing more water downstream to surrounding provinces. Government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises stated that central areas where many delegates are staying are designed to drain water quickly into the Chao Phraya River.
Currently, the river is about one meter below Bangkok's flood barriers, providing some room to absorb additional water. The IMF-World Bank meetings serve as a crucial platform for Thailand to attract investment and showcase its status as a regional business and financial hub.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
