Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Kittiratt Na Ranong, says the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is conducting aerial photography of the central plains to establish the best sites for flood water retention by the end of the month.
“JICA confirmed that aerial photography was nearing completion therefore the flood management zones should be identified and announced within this month.”
He added: “Once the aerial photographs are submitted, the government will be able to indicate the exact location where monkey cheeks will be set up.”
Last year, the monkey cheeks were located across entire residential areas on the edge of Bangkok that were under water for two months to a depth of 2 metres all to save the capital commercial loss.
It saved the capital, but caused unprecedented losses and suffering for residents and industry across an area of more than 30 km wide and 200 km north to south.
The government intends to tell residents in neighbouring provinces well in advanced if their areas are to be used as retention areas again.
“The aerial map will help indicate water retention areas and the government will discuss with local residents and farmers, who will be compensated fairly by the government.”
Meanwhile, the Transport Ministry is confident that the government’s measures to handle future floods will be effective, particularly with the construction of new dykes along the western bank of Chao Phraya River.
The Ministry of Transport’s Deputy Minister, Chatchart Sithipan, said the government has made progress on post-flood road repairs and the construction of a new road along the western bank of the Chao Phraya River, which will be used as a floodway in the future.
“All projects are long-term particularly the dyke construction, which is aimed at helping upstream floodwater flow more naturally towards the sea.”
Source: http://www.ttrweekly.com/site/2012/05/aerial-photography-to-the-rescue/
