Credited from: ALJAZEERA
Bangkok's authorities declared a disaster zone across all 50 districts after continuous torrential rain triggered significant flooding throughout the city. The heavy downpour began Thursday, leading to road submergence and forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate to temporary shelters. As much as 300mm (12 inches) of rain fell within a 48-hour period, obstructing transportation and inundating homes, according to Bangkok Post and Channel News Asia.
The flooding, particularly severe in eastern and central Bangkok, has created critical conditions, elevating water levels near canals and obstructing major roads. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel while emphasizing the urgency of moving belongings to higher ground. He mentioned, "The rain keeps falling, and we are doing our best... Every canal is now filled," as noted by Channel News Asia and BBC.
Emergency response measures have been implemented, with approximately 800 people sought refuge in shelters, including schools designated for temporary accommodation. More than 84,000 people across 21 provinces are affected by the flooding, necessitating urgent emergency alerts through a cell-broadcast system, as reported by Al Jazeera and South China Morning Post.
The city's drainage system remains overwhelmed due to the persistent rain, prompting fears of flash floods and mudslides as weather forecasts predict continued rain into the weekend. Reports from locals highlight the severity, with comparisons made to previous disasters, notably the devastating floods of 2011 when over 500 people died, as mentioned by India Times and BBC.
Municipal responses include the deployment of workers to clear drainage paths and support emergency infrastructure, while the local government stresses that, despite the catastrophic flooding, they are doing their best to manage the impact and restore order. With the water levels expected to subside once the rain ceases, city officials are actively coordinating efforts to mitigate the flooding's effects, according to South China Morning Post and Bangkok Post.