Bangkok declares citywide disaster after heavy flooding
- Bangkok authorities declared a disaster across all 50 districts of the Thai capital after continuous rain caused heavy flooding that affected thousands of households across the country.
- City officials reported that the eastern portion of Bangkok has suffered the worst of the inundation.
- We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals are full.
Bangkok authorities declared a disaster across all 50 districts of the Thai capital after continuous rain caused heavy flooding that affected thousands of households across the country. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced the citywide disaster status after the capital recorded nearly 300 millimeters of rainfall, equivalent to 11.8 inches, since Thursday. The extreme downpours have continued across 12 provinces in Thailand, leaving more than 37,000 people and nearly 11,800 households impacted by severe high water.
Bangkok Canals Fill to Capacity as Eastern Districts Face Severe Flooding
City officials reported that the eastern portion of Bangkok has suffered the worst of the inundation. Governor Chadchart stated on social media that cleanup and pumping efforts are running into major obstacles because the municipal canals are completely full.
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The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals are full.
Residents living near the waterways face the highest risk as water levels continue to press inward from the overflowed channels.
Residents Struggle With Rising Water Levels and Closures
Local vendors and residents reported severe disruptions as waist-high water cut off access to streets and businesses. Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67-year-old vendor living near a canal north of central Bangkok, described the difficulty of leaving her home as water reached her waist.
The water keeps coming in. It’s hard to go out now. It’s like my waist level now.
Somkid Pheuk-ngam Somkid noted that she has been forced to keep her shop closed for two days, stating that the current inundation feels worse than the 2011 flood. Widespread flooding across Thailand that year ultimately killed more than 500 people and damaged millions of homes.
Emergency Warnings Issued for Vulnerable Residents
With more rain in the forecast, city administration officials urged residents living near canals to move their vehicles to higher ground immediately. Governor Chadchart also advised families caring for bedridden patients who depend on life-saving medical equipment to consider a temporary relocation to a hospital.