Bangkok has declared a flood emergency across all 50 districts after more than 300mm of rain fell in the Thai capital since Thursday, leaving roads submerged and disrupting transport.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said on Sunday that the rain had eased, but warned that water levels in the city’s canals remained dangerously high. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the flooding was not yet over and urged residents to remain cautious. Authorities advised people to stay indoors where possible, while residents living near the city’s extensive canal network were told to move valuables and other belongings to higher floors.
The heavy rainfall has overwhelmed parts of Bangkok’s drainage system, causing widespread flooding and severe traffic disruption. Thunderstorms are common in Thailand during this period of the year, but the recent downpours have produced unusually difficult conditions.
The eastern areas of Bangkok have been particularly badly affected, according to Chadchart.
“The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals are full,” he said, according to AFP.
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Residents near canals have faced some of the worst conditions. Somkid Pheuk-ngam, who lives near a canal, told AFP that floodwater had reached around waist level. She said she had been forced to close her shop for two days.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department has forecast more heavy rain during the week. The low-pressure system responsible for the recent downpours is expected to move towards central Thailand.
Authorities remain particularly concerned about communities located along canals, where already-high water levels could worsen if further heavy rainfall occurs.