Governor of Bangkok Roams Prawet District: Solutions to Flooding and Dengue Fever

2023-08-26 12:04:06
Governor of Bangkok Addresses Flooding and Dengue Fever Issues in Prawet District

Bangkok Governor, Chatchart Sittipunt, recently visited Prawet District to address two major issues affecting the area – flooding and dengue fever. Prawet District spans an area of 52.49 square kilometers and is home to approximately 180,000 residents.

In the past, flooding has been a significant problem in Prawet District, with eight flood risk points still requiring attention. Areas such as Phasuk Village and Thung Setthi Village have been particularly affected by the rising waters of Khlong Prawet, the main canal in the area. The influx of water from neighboring Lat Krabang exacerbates the flooding in Prawet Canal, leading to water inundation in various parts of the district, especially those without proper water gates.

However, the governor highlighted that progress has been made in addressing these flooding issues. Efforts are underway to construct permanent sluices and implement preventive measures to mitigate future flooding risks in the district.

Another pressing concern discussed during the visit was the high incidence of dengue fever cases in Prawet District. Assoc. Prof. Tawida Kamolvech, Deputy Governor of Bangkok, emphasized that the number of dengue cases tends to increase during June and July, which coincides with the rainy season. Stagnant water in areas such as the undersides of houses, community spaces, and garbage heaps becomes breeding grounds for mosquitoes, thus contributing to the spread of the disease.

To combat the outbreak, health authorities in Bangkok have set up public health service centers equipped with tools for early detection and diagnosis of dengue fever. The authorities urge residents to seek medical attention promptly if experiencing a high fever for more than two consecutive days or if symptoms appear on the second or third day. Timely diagnosis can prevent the disease from worsening and potentially save lives.

In addition to medical interventions, the authorities are taking an active approach to mosquito control. They are visiting affected areas and spraying insecticides to combat adult mosquitoes. The public is also urged to play their part by eliminating stagnant water sources and covering containers that may hold water.

Dengue fever statistics show that Prawet District is among the top five districts with higher numbers of cases during June and July. Other districts include Khlong Sam Wa, Saphan Sung, Phra Nakhon, and Chatuchak. The dense nature of these communities contributes to the presence of stagnant water, allowing mosquitoes to breed and spread the disease.

From January to August 23, five deaths have been reported in Prawet District, raising concerns about the severity of the situation. Most of the deceased had underlying health conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or kidney disease. It is essential for individuals to prioritize early diagnosis and treatment to avoid delaying necessary medical care.

Governor Chatchart and his team have made it a priority to address the flooding and dengue fever issues in Prawet District. Through concerted efforts from local authorities and community involvement in preventive measures, it is hoped that these challenges can be effectively mitigated, ensuring the well-being and safety of all residents in the district.