WEBDESK - NAYADAUR
Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, has been declared a disaster-affected zone after torrential rain caused widespread flooding, submerged vehicles, and forced residents to move through waist-high water.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced the emergency measure after nearly 300 millimeters of rain fell across the city within 48 hours. Flooding was particularly severe in areas near canals, where rising water levels created risks for residents and property.
Major roads were inundated, with some vehicles partially submerged. Residents in several neighborhoods were forced to leave their homes as floodwaters continued to rise.
Authorities designated all 50 districts of Bangkok as flood-disaster areas to expedite emergency response and relief operations. More than 200 shelters have been established across the city, with around 4,200 people moving into temporary accommodation, according to the governor.
Schools have been designated as temporary shelters, while residents have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel. The army has deployed personnel to assist with emergency operations and has begun setting up shelters and field kitchens.
The government has also issued an emergency advisory to people living near canals, urging them to move belongings to higher ground as a precaution against rising water levels.
Residents said the sudden flooding had caused difficulties, particularly for those unprepared for prolonged disruption.
Supermarkets across affected areas became crowded as residents rushed to purchase food, drinking water and other essential supplies.
Although flooding has not affected all parts of Bangkok equally, authorities placed all 50 districts under the disaster designation to enable emergency agencies to respond more quickly.
Weather officials have forecast further thunderstorms, raising concerns that additional rainfall could worsen flooding and delay efforts to drain the affected areas.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok’s main international airport, continued to operate normally, with flights running as scheduled. However, authorities warned that delays could occur because of road conditions and traffic congestion.
Thailand’s tourism authorities advised travelers to allow an additional two to three hours for journeys to the airport because flooding could disrupt transportation routes.
Sittipunt said authorities were working to remove the floodwater as quickly as possible and expected conditions to improve once the heavy rainfall stopped.