Bangkok roads submerged as flood disaster declared
A flood emergency has been declared across all 50 Bangkok districts after 48 hours of heavy rain left roads submerged and canals full.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Bangkok declared a flood emergency across all 50 districts after 48 hours of heavy rain.
- Residents near canals were advised to move belongings to upper floors and stay home.
- Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt noted the city's east was hardest hit.
- Thai Meteorological Service forecasts more heavy rain throughout the week.
Authorities have declared a flood emergency across Bangkok after relentless heavy rain over a 48-hour period left roads in the Thai capital submerged and severely disrupted the city's notoriously congested traffic.
People have been strongly urged to remain indoors, while residents living close to the city's extensive canal network were advised to relocate their belongings to upper floors to protect them rising waters.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
While thunderstorms are common in Thailand at this time of year, extreme weather in recent days has overwhelmed Bangkok's drainage infrastructure. The downpours are expected to persist through Sunday, heightening fears that additional canals could breach their banks.
"I cannot go anywhere. I have been closing my shop for two days now."
Bangkok shop owner
A local shop owner shared that she has been unable to travel and has kept her shop closed for two days, noting that the current water levels appear worse than during the severe nationwide flooding in 2011. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported in Bangkok from this latest disaster so far.
This flooding incident highlights the ongoing urban drainage challenges faced by major metropolitan areas during extreme weather events. When canal capacities reach their limits, municipal authorities must rely heavily on rapid pumping efforts, though prolonged rainfall tests the absolute thresholds of urban flood management systems.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the eastern part of the city has suffered the most severe impact. He added that rain continues to fall while officials do their utmost to pump water out, though every canal is currently filled to capacity and areas near waterways remain at high risk.
The Thai Meteorological Service has forecasted additional heavy rain throughout the week, even as the low-pressure system responsible for the recent downpours is expected to drift toward central Thailand.
Source: BBC Science & Environment
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