Bangkok Prepares Trucks, 4x4s as Possible Flooding Threatens IMF-World Bank Summit

Bangkok is preparing to deploy large trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles to transport delegates if roads flood this weekend, as possible flooding coincides with the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.

More than 15,000 delegates are due to arrive in the Thai capital for the meetings. The week-long gathering will include finance ministers, central bankers, executives and other delegates from the institutions’ 191 member countries.

Rain forecast during summit’s opening

According to Surapong Sarapa, the Meteorological Department’s head of forecasting, Bangkok could receive about 50mm (two inches) of rain a day from October 11-13. The forecast period coincides with the start of the week-long gathering.

The possible flooding has prompted preparations to protect delegate transport if roads are affected. Large trucks and four-wheel-drive vehicles will be deployed if roads flood this weekend.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed agencies to prepare for severe flooding and avoid a repeat of the travel chaos that accompanied the September deluge.

September deluge adds to concern

The preparations come shortly after a late-September deluge dumped more than 304mm of rain on Bangkok over several days. The rain flooded roads and homes, disrupted flights and temporarily shut factories.

Those disruptions form the immediate backdrop to the measures being taken before the summit. Officials are now preparing for possible flooding during the arrival of more than 15,000 delegates and for the effect that flooded roads could have on travel.

Source: South China Morning Post