Asia Warned Flooding Will Get Worse

Much of Asia suffers from torrential rain during the wet season, including Thailand. It causes problems for many home owners, businesses, farmers and drivers as the floods inundate the country with excess water, which no matter how often it occurs, the authorities appear to be helpless to alleviate the problems caused by the deluge of rain.

But in many countries, the severity of flooding is verging on catastrophic at times.

January in Myanmar saw people fleeing for fear of their lives. Khorsheeda Khatun, fled from the country to Bangladesh because her home was washed away. She took her two daughters to Bangladesh, where they lived in a makeshift settlement.

Whilst in Bangladesh, 500,000 people were displaced following the devastation caused by cyclone Mora five months later. She lost everything she had.

In June, 2017, it was the turn of China to endure the wrath of the weather, as 12 million people had to be evacuated from their homes in South China.

Climate change is being blamed for the ever increasing rains, with forecasters suggesting that there will be at least a 20% increase in water dropping from the skies, bringing more destruction of property and ruining crops.

Southern Asia is the wettest place on the planet and it is not going to change any time soon. Flooding in Bangladesh, China and India is at highest levels ever, with coastal areas being at high risk.

The problems for the likes of Thailand is often related to poor drainage or lack of planning from the government. The country requires an abundance of cash spent on superior drainage systems, capable of dealing with the predicted heavy rainfall. Decisions and action need to be taken sooner rather than later.

Harrowing images from around Asia, could soon be common in much of Thailand if plans are not taken to deal with the torrents of water expected over the coming years.

In Tibet, flood waters were so bad, a five storey building collapsed as its foundations gave way. Fortunately, residents were given notice beforehand and had been evacuated before the building was washed away.

Riverbanks gave way, carrying trucks and cars away in the flow of the water.

In Thailand, we have witnessed streets being under a metre of water. We have seen cars stranded because the water levels are too high to drive through.

People walking and even swimming in dirty, mucky currents are common sights and of course the risk of disease increases in these circumstances.

The nation needs to act now if it is to be safe during future wet seasons.

On a brighter note, Thailand enjoys months of glorious sunshine. The rains, when they come are often heavy and unpredictable but rarely last long. An hour after a storm and the beaches are full of people lapping up the rays, unlike other Asian nations, who often find themselves emersed in floods for weeks on end.

Source: Various News Agencies