International
oi-Swastika Sruti
Thailand’s capital – Bangkok has been declared flood disaster across all 50 districts after nearly 48 hours of heavy rain caused widespread flooding across Thailand’s capital.
Bangkok declared all 50 districts disaster zones due to extensive flooding from nearly 48 hours of heavy rain, submerging roads and homes; Governor Chadchart estimates 2-3 days for drainage if rainfall ceases.
Several roads and neighbourhoods were submerged, while overflowing canals forced residents to move through deep floodwater. Homes, shops and restaurants were also affected in several parts of the city.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the situation had started to stabilise but warned that the floodwater could take another two to three days to drain if there was no further heavy rainfall.
Thailand Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also cut short his visit to London and was returning to Thailand as authorities dealt with the flooding.
All 50 Bangkok Districts Declared Disaster Areas
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) first made the declaration of disaster in three areas – Nong Chok, Suan Luang and Khan Na Yao on Friday.
On Saturday, the declaration of disaster was extended to all 50 districts in Bangkok.
This will enable the BMA, various government agencies and local administration to undertake emergency action.
About 980 people were found to be living in temporary shelters, while 36 persons who have been bedridden have been shifted to the hospital.
The area that is highly affected by floods includes Eastern Bangkok where many communities live near canals. The number of roads that have got flooded stands at 13.
The residents have been asked to park their cars and keep all valuables away from water. Approximately one million sandbags have been made available by the BMA along with opening of temporary shelters in schools.
Nearly 300 mm Rain Over Bangkok
Bangkok received almost 300 millimetres of rain since Thursday afternoon, according to Governor Chadchart.
The heavy rainfall overwhelmed parts of the city’s drainage network and pushed water levels in its extensive canal system higher.
Pumping stations across Bangkok have been operating at full capacity, with combined pumping reaching around 1,200 cubic metres per second.
Municipal workers have also been clearing rubbish and other debris from drainage points to improve the movement of water. Authorities are coordinating with neighbouring provinces to help divert and drain excess water.
Chadchart said the accumulated water would not disappear immediately.
“If the rain stops, it is expected that it will take 2-3 days to drain the floodwater,” he said in an update shared on social media.
The governor has urged residents living near canals to remain alert. Families with bedridden patients who depend on life-supporting medical equipment have also been advised to consider temporary hospital accommodation.
Bangkok Records Above-Average September Rainfall
The flooding comes after Bangkok recorded significantly more rainfall than its normal September average.
According to figures from the BMA Drainage and Sewerage Department, the city received 487 mm of rain between September 1 and 25. The average rainfall for the same period between 1991 and 2020 was around 269 mm.
September is normally the peak of Bangkok’s rainy season, but rainfall this month has been substantially higher than the long-term average.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department has warned that an active low-pressure system over the lower Central region could continue to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall through September 27.
The department has also warned of possible flash floods and overflowing waterways because of accumulated rainfall.
Flooding Affects Other Parts Of Thailand
The situation is not limited to Bangkok. More than 84,000 people across 21 provinces had reportedly been affected by flooding as of Saturday.
The flooding has also disrupted road travel around Bangkok. Authorities have advised passengers travelling to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports to leave early because flooded roads and poor weather could cause delays.
Authorities are continuing to monitor rainfall, canal levels and drainage conditions as more rain remains forecast through Sunday.
