Bangkok: Thailand’s capital Bangkok has been declared a disaster-affected zone after torrential rain caused widespread flooding, with the weather agency forecasting more thunderstorms over the weekend.
Nearly 300 mm of rain fell in 48 hours, flooding major roads and leaving some vehicles partly submerged.
Residents in several areas were forced to wade through waist-deep water, while authorities warned that areas near canals faced the greatest risk.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the situation posed risks to lives and could damage public and private property.
The government advised residents living near canals to move belongings to higher ground and avoid unnecessary travel.
The army is setting up shelters and field kitchens, while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has opened schools as temporary accommodation. Supermarkets also saw increased crowds as residents stocked up on essential supplies.
Despite the flooding, Suvarnabhumi Airport is operating normally. Thailand’s tourism authorities have advised travellers to allow an additional two to three hours for journeys.
The latest flooding follows Thailand’s severe floods last November, when at least 145 people died and thousands of homes were damaged in the country’s southern provinces.
