Bangkok Underwater: All 50 Districts in Flood Emergency as Rain Continues
Bangkok declares flood disaster as 50 districts submerged. Heavy rain disrupts traffic and forces evacuations.
POLICY WIRE — Bangkok, Thailand — Bangkok has been hit by severe flooding, with all 50 city districts declared disaster zones after record rainfall paralyzed the capital.
Authorities have urged residents to remain indoors and relocate belongings to higher floors as water levels continue to rise. Over 84,000 people across 21 provinces have been affected, with the central region experiencing the worst impacts.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Authority issued emergency alerts via mobile phones, as relentless rain since Thursday has caused roads to flood and traffic to halt in some areas. Officials reported that major canals have seen over 20cm of accumulated water, with floodwaters spreading through central and eastern parts of the city.
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Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned that heavy rain will persist through Sunday, driven by a strong low-pressure system and intensified monsoon conditions. Locals and visitors alike are struggling with the ongoing crisis, with one tourist from South Korea describing the weather as ‘crazy’ and saying he was left without a taxi.
A local resident compared the current situation to the 2011 flood, which caused billions in damage and hundreds of deaths. Some residents claim the current water levels exceed those from a decade ago. One woman living near a canal said the water is now at waist level and that she has had to close her shop for two days.
Emergency shelters have been established, with more than 900 people relocating to them. While air travel remains unaffected, some flights may face delays due to weather-related rerouting. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said efforts are underway to drain the city, but he warned that areas near canals remain the most vulnerable.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
