A flood emergency has been declared across Bangkok after 48 hours of heavy rain inundated roads overwhelmed drainage systems and caused widespread disruption in Thailand’s capital.
All 50 districts of Bangkok have been designated emergency zones, with authorities urging residents to remain indoors where possible. People living near the city extensive network of canals have also been advised to move belongings to higher floors as water levels continue to rise.
The eastern parts of Bangkok have been among the hardest hit. City governor Chadchart Sittipunt said authorities were working to pump water out of affected areas, but many canals were already full, increasing the risk of further flooding.
Residents struggle as water enters homes
Floodwater has left several roads impassable, with residents using elevated routes where available and some pushing motorcycles through submerged streets.
A resident living near a canal north of central Bangkok told AFP that floodwater had reached waist level and forced the closure of a shop for two days.
The flooding has also created severe traffic problems in a city already known for congestion.
Officials are particularly concerned about communities located alongside canals because continued rainfall could cause more waterways to overflow.
More rain forecast
Thailand’s Meteorological Service has forecast additional heavy rainfall, raising concerns that the situation could worsen before conditions improve.
The low-pressure system responsible for the recent downpours is expected to move towards central Thailand, but rain is forecast to continue through the week and into Sunday.
The latest flooding comes during Thailand’s rainy season, when thunderstorms and intense rainfall are common. However, the volume of rain over the past two days has placed significant pressure on Bangkok’s drainage infrastructure.
No deaths reported in Bangkok so far
No casualties have been reported in Bangkok from the current flooding so far.
The situation has revived memories of Thailand’s devastating 2011 floods, when hundreds of people died during a nationwide disaster that lasted for months. Residents in some flooded parts of Bangkok have said current water levels appear worse than during that event, although the scale and circumstances of the two floods differ.
Authorities are continuing to monitor canal levels, operate pumps and advise residents in vulnerable areas to prepare for further flooding as more rain is expected.