BANGKOK, 30 May 2012 – A flood management expert has warned Thai people to prepare for a flood crisis this year; however, the damage will possibly be less severe than the flood last year.
Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) Executive Director Dr. Anond Snidvongs has told that all related agencies and people must be prepared for another flood threat. He is certain that major floods will happen later this year, but the extent will not be as severe as last year’s crisis.
Dr. Anond Snidvongs indicated that several areas around Bangkok, particularly Don Muang, are subsiding 2-3 centimeters per year, a faster-than-usual rate. He further explained that many people do not bring the issue up for discussion or rectification. GISTDA is looking at the soil humidity and other variables affecting the direction of water courses and soil erosion.
As for flood prevention plans, the executive director said there is not a one-cure-all formula, but each community must find the most suitable way for its area. He said related agencies must do a mock-up flood situation and manage a good water system. GISTDA is currently working with Japan, figuring out rain amount by using satellite information.
