Thailand: Bangkok floods trigger disaster declaration

Authorities in Bangkok declared a disaster in 50 districts of the Thai capital on Saturday after days of heavy rain caused severe flooding.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said eastern parts of the city were worst affected.

On Saturday afternoon, Chadchart said the situation had “stabilized” and added: “If more rainwater does not fall in the area, the problem will be solved.”

“If the rain stops, it will likely take two to three days to clear the floodwaters,” he said in a social media update.

Situation in brief

• Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the situation had “stabilized.”

• Emergency notice for people living near canals to move their belongings to higher ground

• Bangkok city officials open shelter for evacuees

• More rain forecast for Sunday

More rain forecast in Bangkok

Chadchart said nearly 300 millimeters (11.8 inches) of rain had fallen since Thursday afternoon and warned that more rain was expected.

“The rain continues to fall and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water, but the water in the canals is full,” the governor said on social media, advising residents to move their belongings to higher ground.

“The areas at risk are those living near the canals. All the canals are now filled in,” he said.

Chadchart urged bedridden patients relying on life-saving medical equipment to consider a temporary hospital stay.

Thai authorities said more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces across the country were affected by flooding on Saturday, particularly in the central region.

Floods evoke memories of deadly 2011 deluge

“The water keeps coming in. It’s hard to get out now. It’s like up to my waist now,” local vendor Somkid Pheuk-ngam told AFP news agency.

“I can’t go anywhere. I’ve closed my store for two days,” she told AFP, adding that although it is often flooded, “I think this period is worse than 2011.”

Floods in Thailand in 2011 killed more than 500 people and damaged millions of homes.

Thailand’s meteorological department warned that heavy rains would persist in most parts of the country until Sunday and stressed that a strong low pressure system would dominate the central region and strengthen monsoon conditions.

Edited by: Sean Sinico

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