As the upper region braces for the drought, Phuket City is working against the clock to prepare for the floods that will likely hit when the rainy season starts in June.
Known for its stunning beaches, yachts and marinas, Phuket -- the so-called Pearl of Andaman -- suffers from seasonal flooding each year. Just an hour of heavy rain is enough to fill Phuket City's roads to knee level.
"Phuket is one of the southern provinces in which severe flooding has a devastating impact on the economy," Somjai Suwansupana, Mayor of Phuket, told the Bangkok Post.
Despite Phuket being one of the country's major provinces, with a prosperous economy, the municipality cannot reap the full benefits as its struggle against the weather has held back opportunities to develop further. The government has plans to make Phuket City a hub for startups but these are being jeopardised by the area's susceptibility to flooding.
Floods have become an expected hazard in Phuket. Above, school children are seen eating in a waterlogged cafeteria.
One of the major concerns arising from the floods is the potential for damage to the city's architectural heritage, in particular the Sino-Portuguese shophouses which have become a magnet for tourism and startups.
Built over 110 years ago, these buildings are especially vulnerable as their structures are not steel re-enforced, said Mayor Somjai, adding that even minor floods have caused 120 million baht in damage in the past to Phuket City which is 12km² in size.
One of the worst floods was in 2012 with a recent severe incident also recorded in 2017. One of the biggest issues is the inadequate drainage system. The Department of Public Works and Planning provided a 517 million baht budget in March 2015 to upgrade flood protection measures which are expected to be completed this May.
So far, however, construction is just 26% complete, with the city set to extend the contract to ensure the infrastructure is well built.
Small and clogged canals mean the city can quickly find itself submerged after just an hour of heavy rain.
Despite the delay, Mayor Somjai said the city expects to deal with floods better this year.
She said the main problem is runoff from the surrounding mountains including Khao Rang, Khao To Sae and Khao Phanthurat. "There is more water flowing in than we have the ability to drain through the six canals in the municipality," she said.
These shallow canals are clogged with soil dislodged from nearby construction sites.
"The appropriate solution is to improve the drainage canals, drainage pipes, pumping station and construction of the canal entrance to pump rain that falls at times when seawater levels are also high," she said.
When asked about plans for when the flood prevention system is complete, she said her office will promote education and innovation in what they hope will soon be a flood-free city.
A comprehensive prevention plan
- Construction of drainage pipes in Chaloem Phra Kiat Rama 9 Park, exiting through ThaKlang canal.
- Construction of Klong Lat drainage system from Bang Yai canal to Saen Suk canal.
- Construction of drainage system from Surin and Phangnga roads, exiting through Saen Suk canal.
- Paving Klong Ruam Nam Jai canal from Muang road bridge to Anuphas Phuketkan bridge.
- Paving Klong Ruam Nam Jai from Saphan Ruam to Rassada bridge.
- Construction of Klong Saen Suk canal bank protection.
- Paving the Phra Aram canal bridge -- Supalai condominium.
- Construction of bank protection units on the left side of Ruam Nam Jai canal in Rassada Fish Pier area.
- Construction of the Tha Klang canal bank in Chaloem Phra Kiat Rama 9 Park -- Chao Fa road.
- Construction of a pumping station at the end of Bang Yai canal.
- Construction of Saen Suk canal Pumping Station.
- Construction of Khlong Ruam Nam Jai Pumping Station.