Cha-am flood prevention work stepped up before rainy season

Cha-am Municipality has stepped up flood prevention work ahead of the rainy season, with canal dredging, drainage clearance and pump installation under way in several risk areas.

Mayor Nukul Pornsomboonsiri said municipal teams had been ordered to deploy machinery to the mouth of the canal beside Neranchararam Temple after the Thai Meteorological Department warned of heavier rain across Thailand.

The department’s announcement, issued for the period from 28 May to 1 June, warned of heavy to very heavy rain in many areas, including parts of the South, East, and the western sections of the North and Central regions. It also warned of strong winds and waves in the Andaman Sea.

The weather conditions were linked to a fairly strong southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand, together with a monsoon trough across upper Thailand.

Authorities advised people to be alert for heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which could lead to flash floods and forest run-off, particularly in low-lying areas and communities near waterways.

Mr Nukul said the dredging work was part of Cha-am Municipality’s preparations to reduce the risk of flooding during the rainy season.

The work involves removing mud banks, sediment and other obstructions from the canal to increase water capacity and allow run-off from upper areas to flow into the sea more quickly.

Municipal officials said the measures are intended to reduce flooding in nearby communities while also helping to maintain the condition of local waterways.

In addition to the canal dredging, the municipality has been clearing drainage pipes, removing blockages from water channels and installing water pumps at flood-prone points.

The pumps are being placed in areas considered at risk of water build-up, including parts of the town’s economic zone and tourist areas.

Cha-am Municipality said it would continue to inspect drainage routes throughout the rainy season to improve public safety and reduce the impact of localised flooding.