Bangkok declares disaster zone after days of heavy rain
Authorities in Thailand's capital declare a disaster zone across all 50 districts as widespread flooding inundates roads and homes.
Authorities in Thailand's capital declare a disaster zone across all 50 districts as widespread flooding inundates roads and homes.
KEY TAKEAWAYS- Bangkok authorities have declared a disaster zone across all 50 districts of Thailand's capital following three consecutive days of heavy rainfall.
- Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials work to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.
- Al Jazeera's Tony Cheng reported that while Bangkok is no stranger to heavy rain during the monsoon season, the continuous rainfall had locals worried.
- [aljazeera.
Widespread flooding hits Bangkok
Bangkok authorities have declared a disaster zone across all 50 districts of Thailand's capital following three consecutive days of heavy rainfall. The designation, which grants local organisations the authority to take action, was announced on Saturday after Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that almost 300 millimetres (11.8 inches) of rain had fallen since Thursday afternoon.
The nonstop rain has inundated roads and canals, sending water into many homes and stores. Photos and videos from the scene show major roads submerged and cars abandoned as drivers were unable to navigate the rising waters. The east of the city has been most impacted by the flooding.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has warned of low pressure across eastern, northeastern and central Thailand until Sunday, citing risks of flash floods, forest runoff, mudslides and river overflow.
Drainage efforts and warnings
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as city officials work to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible. He noted that the water in canals is full, making it difficult to pump water out, and advised residents to move their cars to higher ground.
Bangkok's public transport authority has offered free access to MRT train 'park and ride' carparks to store vehicles until October 2. The government later said the flooding situation had 'stabilised', but added it would still take two or three days for the water to drain, provided no more rain falls in the area.
A vendor living near a canal just north of central Bangkok told the AFP news agency that the water was at her waist level and that she had to close her shop for two days. She described the situation as 'worse than the 2011 flood'.
Residents face prolonged disruption
Al Jazeera's Tony Cheng reported that while Bangkok is no stranger to heavy rain during the monsoon season, the continuous rainfall had locals worried. He noted that what usually happens is heavy downpours for a couple of hours, followed by isolated street flooding that flows away quickly.
The current situation is different, Cheng said, as the persistent heavy rain since Thursday evening is happening all across the city and shows no sign of letting up. This widespread inundation contrasts with the typical isolated flooding events.
The heavy rains have caused significant disruption to daily life, with residents unable to leave their homes or businesses due to the rising waters and the slow pace of drainage efforts.
Sources and context
aljazeera.com — Disaster zone declared across Bangkok as heavy rain triggers flooding
bbc.co.uk — Bangkok declares disaster as heavy rains spark flooding
