Bangkok Flooded as Heavy Rains Disrupt Capital

Incessant rain hammered several areas of Thailand’s capital on Saturday, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds to evacuate, as authorities declared the city a disaster area. The deluge, which began Thursday afternoon, is expected to continue through Sunday in most parts of the country.

Accumulated rainfall in many areas of Bangkok since Thursday exceeded 30 centimeters (11.8 inches), officials said. Floodwaters spread across the city, particularly in the central and eastern parts, blocking roads and halting traffic. The city declared all of its 50 districts a flood disaster area to allow authorities to respond rapidly to the crisis.

Nationwide, more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces have been affected by flooding, with the central region particularly impacted. Emergency warning messages have been sent to residents via cellphones.

Some residents described the current flooding as similar to severe floods experienced in 2011. Many businesses in Bangkok closed on Saturday due to the inundation.

Cars crawled along waterlogged roads, and some motorists were seen pushing their motorcycles. Authorities reported that some regional bus services from Bangkok to the eastern provinces were suspended. Phetchaburi Road, a major thoroughfare, was unusually quiet as vehicles were turned back by floodwaters, with some vehicles left partially submerged.

Residents navigated murky waters, carrying supplies, some barefoot and others using rubber waders or plastic bags around their feet to stay dry.

Air traffic control confirmed flight operations were normal, though some flights might experience delays. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials work to drain the floodwaters. More than 200 shelters have been established across the city, with approximately 900 people housed in them.