Debris to blame for underpass flooding

PHUKET: The Darasamuth underpass suffered its first serious flood last night, when the automatic pumping system failed to activate during a heavy downpour.

The underpass, which officially opened just over six months ago (story here), became a lake after an accumulation of garbage blocked the automatic switch that turns on the pumps.

“We have three water pumps that work using a ball float. When water levels increase, the ball rises, automatically flipping the switch that turns on the machines,” Samak Luedwonghad, director of the Phuket Highways Office explained to the Phuket Gazette.

“We have already fixed the issue. However, technicians will keep a closer eye on the pumps to make sure that there is no other reason for its failure.”

To prevent future problems, the Phuket Highway Office has requested that the underpass contractor, Italian-Thai Development Co Ltd, install netting to block debris from clogging the machines.

— Kongleaphy Keam