Bangkok, Thailand's capital, has been hit by severe flooding after almost 48 hours of heavy rain, prompting authorities to declare a flood disaster across the city. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) declared a disaster for all 50 districts, giving local organisations special powers to act. Residents have been wading through waist-deep water, with many homes, shops, and roads waterlogged.
The flooding was caused by heavy rain that started on Thursday afternoon, with over 300 millimetres of rain falling in some areas between then and Saturday morning. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cut short a trip to London to return home to address the crisis. Many residents expressed frustration and concern, with some saying it felt worse than usual. September is the peak of the rainy season in Bangkok, but several residents said they had never encountered anything like this before.
The BMA said the city's pumping stations were operating at full capacity, drawing some 1,200 cubic metres per second combined. However, the canals are full, and authorities are cooperating with nearby provinces to drain water out through other sides, minimising the amount that flows into Bangkok. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the situation had "stabilised" and that if more rainwater doesn't fall, it will be solved.
Residents are struggling to cope with the flooding, with some convenience stores having empty shelves as people rush to buy essentials. At least 13 major roads were flooded, but Chadchart urged residents not to worry about potential food shortages. Around 980 people were staying in temporary shelters, while authorities had transferred 36 bedridden people to hospitals. The city has also prepared one million sandbags.
The flooding has caused significant disruption, with schools set to close on Monday and some officials asked to work from home. September has been wetter than usual, with 487 mm of rain recorded between September 1 and 25, compared to an average of almost 269 mm for the same period from 1991 to 2020. Scientists warn that the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events will increase as the planet continues to heat up due to fossil fuel emissions.
The flooding in Bangkok is not an isolated incident, with 21 provinces in Thailand also reporting flooding on Saturday. More rain is expected on Sunday, and authorities are bracing for further disruptions. The Southeast Asian country experienced widespread deluges in 2011, which killed over 500 people and damaged millions of homes.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents are being advised to stay safe and follow the instructions of local authorities. The city's infrastructure, including its network of canals and pumping stations, is being put to the test. With the floodwaters expected to take two to three days to recede, residents are preparing for a long and challenging recovery ahead.
Key points
- Bangkok authorities declare flood disaster after 48 hours of heavy rain
- Over 300 millimetres of rain falls in some areas, causing widespread flooding
- Residents advised to stay safe and follow instructions of local authorities
