Authorities prepare for possible flooding in Bangkok

BANGKOK, October 7 (TNA) - As the Thai government prepares for possible flooding in Greater Bangkok, Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda has discussed the issue with agencies concerned. General Anupong chaired a meeting on preparations to cope with possible floods in Bangkok and nearby areas in Bangkok on Wednesday, focusing on flood-prone zones and increase in drains and pumps as a long-term measures. Representatives of 28 concerned agencies, including the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the Royal Thai Police, the a Royal Thai Army, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) and the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) attended the meeting. Earlier, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan ordered at a Cabinet meeting that authorities concerned handle flooding well, especially in Greater Bangkok because it affects traffic and try hard to prevent floods at locations of electric railway construction. As immediate solutions, the interior minister suggested BMA to protect drainage pumps from garbage and remove vehicles that broke down in flooded areas as soon as possible, especially during rush hours. For long-term measures, the interior minister said, BMA is likely to propose more drains, pumps and garbage collectors on streets in 26 flood-prone areas and locations adjacent to nearby provinces. Besides, BMA and the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will also move households that encroach on waterways, after finding new residential areas for the households. (TNA)