Flood Emergency Declared in Bangkok As Streets Are Submerged

After 48 hours of continuous heavy rainfall, Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has declared a state of emergency due to widespread flooding that has submerged streets. Residents have been advised to stay indoors, and those living near the city’s canals are urged to move their belongings to upper floors. While thunderstorms have been common this season, the recent intense rains have overwhelmed Bangkok’s drainage system. Even under normal circumstances, the city’s narrow roads often suffer from traffic congestion.

Rainfall is expected to continue on Sunday, raising concerns about further breaches of canal embankments. A total of 50 districts have been declared disaster zones. A 67-year-old resident of Bangkok stated, “The rain is relentless, making it very difficult to go outside. Water has reached my room.” She noted that the current flood levels in the city are worse than those in 2011, when nationwide floods also severely affected Bangkok.

The prolonged adverse weather three months ago resulted in hundreds of deaths across Thailand. So far, no human casualties have been reported from the recent flooding. Thailand’s Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy rain. However, the low-pressure system responsible for consistent rainfall in recent days is believed to be moving toward the central parts of the country.

All 50 districts in Bangkok have been designated as disaster-affected areas. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt highlighted that the city’s eastern region has been the hardest hit. He stated, “The rain continues and we are making every effort. We are trying to drain the water, but the canals are completely filled. People living near the canals are at risk. All the canals are flooded.”