As flooding continues throughout Bangkok,Thailand, recovery efforts have been slow. Hampered by consistent rains and rising water levels, it is the damage to swamped roads that are causing delays, food shortages and stalled reconstruction efforts, with a reported 740 locations around Bangkok still at least 80 cm under water.
The damage that this has caused to the roads and further infrastructure is becoming overwhelming, with continuous flooding causing water damage and water in flooded areas becoming stagnant and rotting surrounding wood.
In light of these issues, which are of course secondary to the health and wellbeing of the Thai people (three million people are expected to have been affected by the floods, which killed over 500), Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has outlaid the country’s recovery plan, which will span over three sections as the climatic circumstances continue to change.
This new plan will include steps of rescue, restoration and rebuilding. In the early stages of these processes, the fundamental move will be to clear flooded areas, get rid of the water and restore communication and connection to deliver food, clean water, and medical supplies to the isolated. In the future, the government has planned to strongly support those affected by the floods, especially farmers, small and medium sized businesses. This will become a major part of all three of the recovery steps; monetary help coming as a major priority, even with the country’s economy set to take a battering in light of its current and future tourism losses.
In the meantime it is a grim reality for the Thai people. Stagnant water is becoming a health risk, infrastructure and roads are severely damaged or completely submerged, which is causing the latest issue involving an overwhelming mass of garbage littering flooded streets. Due to the fact that roads are not clear, garbage trucks have not been able to clear away tonnes of rubbish, which have begun to clog roads and drains stopping water flow and run off, all the while running the risk of creating a serious disease issue.
While efforts are being made, residents are becoming frustrated with their situation, reports widely showing citizens of flooded areas trying to break flood barriers in order to gain some level of relief.
Bangkok has a long way to go until it can recover. In the meantime it will be a constant struggle to get rid of the water before any kind of reconstruction and recovery can begin.
