Bangkok declares flood emergency as heavy rains submerge roads
Bangkok has declared a flood emergency after 48 hours of heavy rain overwhelmed the city's canal system, leaving roads underwater. Residents have been urged to stay indoors and move belongings to upper floors.
Thailand's capital Bangkok has declared a flood emergency disaster after 48 hours of heavy rain left roads across the city submerged. Residents have been urged to stay home, while those living near the city's canal network have been advised to move belongings to upper floors.
Thunderstorms are typical for this time of year in Thailand, but the recent extreme weather has overwhelmed Bangkok's drainage system, causing severe traffic disruption on roads already known for congestion. Rain is expected to continue through Sunday, raising concern that additional canals could overflow.
Residents describe worsening conditions
Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67-year-old resident living near a canal north of central Bangkok, told AFP that water levels near her home now reach her waist, forcing her to keep her shop closed for two days. She said conditions appeared worse than in 2011, when nationwide flooding in Thailand killed hundreds of people over a three-month period. No casualties have so far been reported from the current flooding in Bangkok.
Thailand's Meteorological Service has forecast further heavy rain through the week, though the low-pressure system driving recent downpours is expected to shift toward central Thailand.
All 50 of Bangkok's districts have been declared emergency zones. City governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the eastern part of Bangkok had been hit hardest, adding that authorities are working to pump out water but that canals are already full, with residents living near canals facing the greatest risk.
