Heavy rainfall has caused widespread flooding in Thailand, resulting in eight deaths since September 16, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. The casualties occurred in three eastern provinces, with no reports of fatalities in the capital, Bangkok. The floods have affected over 500,000 households and 1.7 million people across 27 provinces.
Bangkok has been severely impacted, with schools closed and authorities urging residents to work from home where possible. Many residents heeded the call, resulting in noticeably quieter roads and public transport networks. The interior ministry reported that over 80,000 people were unable to leave their homes in the capital due to flooding.
Residents have shared their experiences of the flooding, with Nattapon Mankean, 32, describing the situation as "terrible" after his apartment complex in Bang Kapi, eastern Bangkok, lost electricity and water. He and his girlfriend fled with two cats, one in a cage and the other in a specialized rucksack. Mankean told AFP that their phone batteries died, and they had no running water, making everyday tasks difficult.
Authorities declared a city-wide disaster on Saturday after almost 48 hours of heavy rain. Some residents were still wading through thigh-high waters on Monday. In Bang Kapi, locals used ice-boxes and other floating plastic containers to transport supplies from nearby markets and supermarkets.
The floods have not only affected Thailand but also neighboring Myanmar, where rescuers reported heavy floods and landslides in the southern region of Tanintharyi, resulting in at least eight deaths. Hein Htet, of the local volunteer group People's Administration Team, warned that there are still people and villages in the danger zone due to continued rainfall.
Myanmar's civil war has complicated relief efforts, with Hein Htet stating that the scale of the flood and lack of resources are significant challenges. The conflict area is making it difficult for humanitarian organizations to assess the situation and provide aid.
Bangkok's governor, Chadchart Sittipunt, said it could take "up to a week" for the waters to fully drain, with pumping stations operating at full capacity. Thousands of residents have moved to temporary shelters, and government spokesman Ekkapob Pianpises reported that floods were receding, but some areas in Bangkok are still facing high water levels.
Key points
- Eight people have died in Thailand since mid-September due to heavy rainfall and flooding.
- Over 500,000 households and 1.7 million people have been affected by floods across 27 provinces in Thailand.
- Bangkok's governor estimates it could take up to a week for the waters to fully drain.
