Bangkok Floods: Thailand Capital Submerged After Month’s Rain Falls in Just Days
Bangkok Floods: Thailand Capital Submerged After Month’s Rain Falls in Just Days
Bangkok Floods: Thailand’s capital Bangkok is facing severe flooding after torrential rain left large parts of the city submerged. Nearly 320 mm (12.6 inches) of rain fell over two to three days, an amount close to what Bangkok normally receives throughout the entire month of September.
The heavy rainfall flooded homes, shops and major roads, while several neighbourhoods were left under waist-deep water. Authorities have declared Bangkok a disaster-affected zone and thousands of residents have been moved to evacuation centres. {index=1}
Thousands Evacuated As Bangkok Remains Waterlogged
At least 5,901 people had moved to 234 evacuation centres in Bangkok, according to city administration officials. At the same time, more than 80,000 people were reported to be unable to leave their homes because of the floodwaters.
Authorities have been using boats and mobile kitchens as part of the relief operation. Officials said the aim is to provide residents with three meals a day throughout the flooding period and for at least seven days after the water starts receding.
Roads, Transport and Shops Hit by Flooding
Floodwater has severely disrupted everyday life in Bangkok. Major roads have been affected, while public transport and local taxi services have also faced disruption.
Residents reported difficulty reaching BTS stations, long waits for ride-hailing services and increased fares. Food deliveries were also disrupted in several flooded areas.
Some shops reportedly ran short of essential supplies after residents rushed to buy food and other necessities. In some locations, people were forced to walk through waist-deep water to reach markets and vendors.
Power Cuts and Water Shortages Add to Problems
The flooding has also caused electricity and water supply problems in some neighbourhoods. Residents have described difficult conditions, with some forced to leave their homes because essential services were no longer available.
One resident in Bangkok’s Bang Kapi area told AFP that his apartment complex had lost electricity and running water. He eventually left the area with his girlfriend and their two cats.
Bangkok Floods Affect Travel Too
Heavy rain has also affected travel in and around Bangkok. Social media posts showed passengers dealing with disruptions at Bangkok airport, while an Indian influencer warned travellers about non-essential travel to Thailand amid the continuing weather problems.
However, travellers should check the latest information from airlines and Thai authorities before making decisions, as weather-related disruptions can change quickly.
Why Is Bangkok So Vulnerable to Flooding?
Bangkok is located on a river delta and much of the city sits only around 1.5 metres (5 feet) above sea level. The heavily developed capital also faces land subsidence, with the city sinking by several millimetres each year.
Bangkok already experiences significant flooding during Thailand’s long rainy season. The latest rainfall has added further pressure to drainage systems and low-lying areas across the capital.
Flooding Spreads Across Thailand
Bangkok is not the only area affected. Thailand’s authorities said flooding had affected 41 provinces since September 16, with at least eight deaths reported and more than 580,000 homes disrupted.
In the eastern province of Rayong, authorities also ordered evacuations after floodwaters caused two reservoirs to exceed their capacity.
Floods Could Hit Thailand’s Economy
The flooding could also create a significant economic impact. An economist at Rangsit University estimated nationwide damage at around 11 billion baht ($327 million), with losses potentially increasing if conditions do not improve.
The flooding is also expected to affect retail and wholesale businesses in Bangkok and the eastern region, while agriculture and industry could face losses in other parts of the country.
Economist Aat Pisanwanich told Reuters that the floods could reduce Thailand’s annual GDP growth by around 0.3 percentage points, while third-quarter growth could be reduced by about 0.5 percentage points.
- Nearly 320 mm of rain fell over two to three days.
- Bangkok has been declared a disaster-affected zone.
- At least 5,901 people moved to 234 evacuation centres.
- More than 80,000 people were reported unable to leave their homes.
- Roads, transport, shops and food deliveries have been disrupted.
- Flooding has affected 41 provinces across Thailand since September 16.
- At least eight deaths have been reported in the affected provinces.
- Estimated nationwide economic damage is around 11 billion baht.
Bangkok Flood Situation: What Happens Next?
Bangkok continues to deal with intermittent rain and widespread flooding. Authorities are focusing on evacuation, food distribution and support for residents who remain trapped in affected areas.
With several parts of Thailand also dealing with flooding, the coming days will be important for recovery efforts, transport services and businesses across the country.
Source: NDTV, with inputs from AFP and Reuters.
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