Bangkok Declares State of Emergency Due to Severe Flooding
Bangkok has declared a state of emergency as nearly 300 millimeters of rain fell since Thursday, causing widespread flooding across all districts.
Thai authorities declared a flood disaster across Bangkok on Saturday after nearly 48 hours of heavy rain left canals overflowing, roads submerged and residents wading through deep water across much of the capital.
Scale of the flooding
Parts of the city saw more than 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) of rain over the two-day period, according to officials, overwhelming drainage canals and turning major roads into waterways. Rain eased by Sunday, but flooding persisted in several low-lying districts, forcing thousands of residents to leave their homes for higher ground or shelters.
Impact on the city
The flooding disrupted traffic across large parts of Bangkok and forced evacuations in several neighborhoods, with authorities continuing relief operations as waters slowly recede. It is one of the most severe flooding events to hit the Thai capital in recent years, adding to a broader pattern of unusually heavy monsoon rainfall across Southeast Asia this season.
