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Incessant rain since Thursday has flooded Bangkok, prompting a disaster declaration across all 50 districts, disrupting traffic, and forcing hundreds to evacuate. More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces have been affected.
BANGKOK - Incessant rain has hammered Thailand's capital since Thursday afternoon, flooding streets, disrupting traffic, and forcing hundreds to evacuate as authorities declared Bangkok a disaster area.
The deluge is expected to continue in most parts of the country through Sunday, Thailand's Meteorological Department warned. Accumulated rainfall in many areas of Bangkok since Thursday has exceeded 30 centimetres (11.8 inches), officials said. Floodwaters spread across the city, especially in the central and eastern parts, blocking roads and stopping traffic. While not all parts of Bangkok were submerged, the city declared all 50 districts a flood disaster area to allow authorities to respond rapidly.
Over 84,000 Affected by Nationwide Flooding
More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces nationwide were affected by flooding as of Saturday, particularly in the central region. Authorities sent emergency warning messages through cellphones, the government said. Many businesses in Bangkok closed on Saturday because of the flooding. Cars crawled along waterlogged roads, and bikers were seen pushing their motorcycles.
Authorities said some regional bus services from Bangkok to the eastern provinces were suspended. Phetchaburi Road, one of the capital's busiest, was unusually quiet as vehicles were turned back by floods. Some vehicles were left partially submerged. Residents made their way through murky waters, carrying fresh water and food.
Some walked barefoot, others wore rubber waders, and several wrapped plastic bags around their feet to keep dry. Air traffic control authorities confirmed flight operations were normal but warned some flights might face delays. Hwang Hwan-chung, who flew from South Korea and has visited Bangkok a dozen times, said he had never seen such crazy weather and could not find a taxi.
Floods Resemble Disastrous 2011 Bangkok Event
Sukanya Tongsuk, a resident, said the current flooding was similar to the last time Bangkok was hit in 2011. Dutch resident Bjorn Franken, who has lived in the capital for two years, said he was able to cope although one event he wanted to attend had been canceled. Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said that despite the heavy rain, flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials work to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.
More than 200 shelters were set up across the city, and about 900 people have moved in, Chadchart said. The flooding has also affected other parts of Thailand, with the central region hit especially hard. Authorities are monitoring the situation and providing assistance to those affected. This is the worst flooding to hit Bangkok since 2011, when severe floods caused widespread damage and disruption.
Emergency Services Work Around Clock
The current situation has prompted comparisons to that event. The government has urged residents to stay safe and follow instructions from local authorities. Emergency services are working around the clock to help those in need. As the rain continues, officials are warning that the situation could worsen before it improves.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and prepared for possible evacuations. The Associated Press
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CTVToronto:This story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
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