Bangkok Declares Flood Disaster as Heavy Rain Submerges Streets and Homes

POLICY WIRE — Bangkok, Thailand — Bangkok officials have declared a flood disaster across the city following nearly 48 hours of relentless rainfall that has left streets submerged and homes waterlogged.

The deluge, which began on Thursday afternoon and continued into Saturday morning, brought more than 300mm of rain in some areas, prompting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to cut his trip to London short to return home.

Residents described the situation as one of the worst they’ve seen, with water rising to waist level in some neighborhoods. Vendors and shopkeepers reported being unable to operate, while vehicles were stranded in flooded streets.

One local, Somkid Pheuk-ngam, said the water was now at her waist, making it impossible to move around. I can’t go anywhere, she told AFP, adding that she had been forced to close her shop for two days.

Despite the severity, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the situation had “stabilised” and that the city’s pumping stations were operating at full capacity, moving 1,200 cubic meters of water per second.

If the rain stops, it will take two to three days to drain the floodwater, he said in a social media update. The BMA declared a disaster for all 50 districts, granting local agencies special authority to respond.

Residents noted that the continuous downpour felt more intense than usual, even though September is the peak of the rainy season. Anutin Meechamnan, a 63-year-old resident, said, I’ve never seen anything like this before—rain that lasts for days.

The city’s canal system, which once earned Bangkok the nickname Venice of the East, has overflowed, sending murky water into homes, shops, and alleyways. Authorities are working with neighboring provinces to divert water and prevent further flooding.

In eastern Bangkok, residents were seen wading through deep water, while parked cars sat partially submerged on major roads. In Bang Bua district, a woman tried to salvage goods from her shop as water reached her thighs.

Khem Amnueilaph, a 36-year-old office worker, said the water in his neighborhood was above knee level. My house is new and elevated, but nearby older homes have already flooded, he said, adding that he might have to wade through the water to get food.

Authorities reported that 13 major roads were flooded, but assured the public that there would be no food shortages. Around 980 people were staying in temporary shelters, and 36 bedridden individuals had been moved to hospitals. One million sandbags had also been prepared.

Despite the ongoing crisis, schools in Bangkok will be closed on Monday, and some officials have been instructed to work remotely. The city recorded 487mm of rain between September 1 and 25, far exceeding the historical average of 269mm for the same period.

Scientists warn that extreme weather events will become more frequent and severe due to climate change. Flooding was also reported in 21 other Thai provinces, with more rain expected on Sunday.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)