Bangkok: Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning: The Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning is expediting water drainage to alleviate flooding in Sena District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, by reinforcing the community’s flood prevention system and alleviating public suffering. Mr. Phongsak Yenying, Director-General of the department, revealed that the Chao Phraya Dam in Chainat Province is currently discharging water downstream at a rate of 2,400 cubic meters per second. This has led to the Chao Phraya River swelling, resulting in flooding in Sena District and affecting over 9,338 households.
According to Thai News Agency, the department has assigned various offices, including the Urban Planning Support and Development Office, the Restoration and Maintenance Division, and the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provincial Public Works and Town and Country Planning Office, to collaborate with Sena Municipality and Sam Ko Subdistrict Municipality. Their mission is to inspect and expedite flood relief efforts in Sena District. Inspections have revealed that the Phase 1 flood prevention system improvement and repair project in the Sena and Sam Ko communities is 82.67 percent complete. The current water levels exceed the ground level/pile cap beam, which may lead to overflow into the Sena Market area. Consequently, a joint flood response plan was developed between the Department and local authorities, with the cooperation of the contractor to construct temporary embankments along the unfinished section to prevent flooding in the Sena Market economic area and the municipal community.
The community area behind Senabodee School is undergoing construction for the Phase 2 flood prevention system improvement and repair project. Contractors are being sought, and inspections have revealed water seeping through damaged walls of the original structure. The Department has coordinated with local authorities to provide support and install mobile water pumps to expedite pumping of water out of the community. The water seeping into the area remains within control.
Mr. Phongsak Nara stated that the Department continues to closely monitor the flood situation in the Sena community and has instructed local agencies to prepare machinery, equipment, and personnel to provide ongoing assistance to residents. The department also plans improvements and repairs to strengthen long-term flood prevention systems to prevent and mitigate future damage sustainably. The department expressed gratitude towards relevant government agencies, the private sector, local administrative organizations, and the local people for their collaborative efforts and support of this operation.