Thailand declares state of disaster in Bangkok as severe flooding persists

Authorities in Thailand have declared a state of disaster across all 50 districts of Bangkok following days of torrential rainfall that has caused severe flooding throughout the capital. The emergency declaration was announced on Saturday as water levels continue to rise in key areas.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt identified the eastern sections of the city as the most heavily impacted zone. He reported that nearly 300 millimeters (11.8 inches) of rain had fallen since Thursday afternoon and warned residents that additional precipitation is expected through Sunday.

“The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals is full,” Governor Chadchart said via social media. He emphasized that the flooding poses a direct threat to life and urged residents living near canals to relocate their belongings to higher ground.

Officials have opened shelters for evacuees and specifically advised bedridden patients who rely on life-saving medical equipment to consider temporary stays in hospitals. The Thailand Meteorological Department attributes the persistent heavy rain to a strong low-pressure system dominating the central region and strengthening monsoon conditions.

For local business owners, the situation has brought immediate disruption. Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a vendor in the affected area, told AFP that water had reached waist-deep levels, making it difficult to leave home. She noted that she has been forced to close her shop for two days.

“I think this time is worse than the 2011 flood,” Pheuk-ngam said, recalling the catastrophic deluge that killed more than 500 people and damaged millions of homes across Thailand. Residents are being asked to move vehicles to higher ground as city officials work to manage the rising waters.