Thailand: heavy rains flood Bangkok

September 26 — All 50 districts of Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, have been declared disaster zones due to heavy rains and flooding, ATSH–AA reports.

The weather has caused traffic difficulties and affected daily life, while eastern Bangkok is among the worst-hit areas, the Bangkok Post reported.

The declaration enables the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, other state agencies and local administrations to take faster, coordinated action in the affected areas.

Residents were warned via mobile phone alerts that water levels in canals, which have already reached critical levels, are expected to rise further.

The Meteorological Department said the unstable weather was caused by a strong low-pressure system over the Lower Central Plain, Bangkok and surrounding provinces, as well as the strengthening of the southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, the south and the Gulf of Thailand.

The department warned on Saturday that heavy rains are expected across the country through Sunday.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said flooding could recede within six hours if there is no further rain, while pumping stations are operating at full capacity.

Residents in several neighborhoods also began panic-buying basic goods, stocking up amid concerns that flooding could worsen.