Nearly 300 millimeters of rain in 48 hours has caused widespread flooding in Thailand’s Bangkok, forcing thousands into shelters as authorities warn of risks to lives and property.
MEDIABITES WEBDESK
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, has been declared a disaster-affected zone after torrential rain flooded major roads, submerged vehicles and forced residents to wade through waist-high water.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced the emergency measure on Saturday after nearly 300 millimeters of rain fell across the city within 48 hours. Authorities said the flooding was particularly severe around canals.
Major roads were inundated, with some cars partially submerged. Residents in several areas were forced to leave their homes as water levels rose.
Sittipunt said the flooding posed a risk to people’s lives and could damage public and private property. Authorities declared all 50 districts of Bangkok flood disaster areas to speed up emergency response efforts.
More than 200 shelters have been established across the city, with about 4,200 people moving into temporary accommodation, according to the governor.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has designated schools as temporary shelters and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. The army has also deployed personnel and begun setting up shelters and field kitchens as part of relief efforts.
The government issued an emergency advisory to people living near canals, telling them to move belongings to higher ground as a precaution.
Residents described the situation as difficult, particularly for people who had not prepared for the sudden flooding.
“I’m worried too, because I haven’t stocked up on food beforehand, and I’ve never faced this kind of situation alone before,” 19-year-old resident Sansuk Laowatcharakul said.
Supermarkets were crowded as residents rushed to buy food and other essential supplies.
Although flooding has not affected every part of the capital equally, authorities have placed all 50 districts under the disaster designation to allow emergency agencies to respond more quickly.
Weather officials have forecast further thunderstorms over the weekend, raising concerns that additional rain could slow efforts to clear the water.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, the city’s main international airport, continued to operate normally. Air traffic authorities said flights were operating as usual, although some delays were possible.
Thailand’s tourism authorities advised travelers to allow an additional two to three hours for journeys because flooding and traffic disruption could affect access to the airport.
Sittipunt said officials were working to drain the floodwaters as quickly as possible and expected conditions to improve once the heavy rain stopped.
