Bangkok declared disaster zone after severe flooding

BANGKOK: Bangkok authorities have declared Thailand’s capital a disaster-affected area after torrential rainfall caused widespread flooding across the city.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt issued the declaration on Saturday as heavy rain continued to disrupt several parts of the capital. Almost 300 millimetres of rain was recorded over a 48-hour period, leaving major roads submerged and vehicles partly underwater.

Some residents were forced to move through waist-deep floodwater as flooding intensified in several neighbourhoods. Authorities said areas near canals were among the worst affected and warned that the situation could pose serious risks to lives and property.

The national weather agency has forecast further thunderstorms over the weekend, raising concerns that additional rainfall could worsen the flooding.

The government has advised residents living near canals to move valuables and other belongings to higher ground. Officials have also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel while emergency teams continue relief operations.

The army has been deployed to support the response. Military personnel are helping establish emergency shelters and field kitchens for affected residents.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has also designated schools as temporary shelters for people displaced by the flooding.

The severe weather has disrupted daily life across the capital. Supermarkets have reported large crowds as residents rush to purchase food, drinking water and other essential supplies.

Despite the flooding, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok’s main international airport, continued normal operations. However, the tourism authorities advised travellers to allow an additional two to three hours for their journeys because of possible delays on flooded roads.

Officials are closely monitoring the situation as more rain is expected. Residents in vulnerable areas have been urged to follow evacuation and safety instructions from authorities.

The latest flooding comes after Thailand experienced severe flooding in its southern provinces last year. At least 145 people were killed in those floods, while thousands of homes were damaged.