Bangkok: All 50 districts declared disaster zones, 980 people in shelters
After nearly 300 mm of rain in 48 hours, the Thai capital has placed all its districts under disaster status. Approximately 980 people have sought refuge in temporary shelters.
SUMMARY
Bangkok authorities expanded the disaster declaration on Saturday, September 26, to include all 50 districts of the Thai capital. Nearly continuous rain since Thursday has flooded homes, businesses, and several major roads.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that approximately 980 people have sought refuge in temporary shelters. Thirty-six bedridden patients have been transferred to hospitals, and at least 13 main roads remain submerged. Schools are set to remain closed on Monday.
Saturated canals
Nearly 300 millimeters of rain fell within 48 hours starting September 24, according to the Thai government’s information service. The main canals filled faster than the city could drain the water, despite pumping stations operating at full capacity.
Between September 1 and 25, Bangkok received 487 millimeters of rain, compared to an average of nearly 269 millimeters during the same period from 1991 to 2020. Authorities estimate it will take another two to three days to drain the flooded areas if the rainfall stops.
Over 84,000 people affected in 21 provinces
Nationwide, the floods continued to impact 21 provinces as of Saturday morning. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that 84,605 people were affected across 27,109 households, with the most significant damage concentrated in the central region of the country.
The Thai Meteorological Department maintained a warning for heavy to very heavy rain on September 26 and 27, linked to a depression and the strengthening of the monsoon. It warned of risks of flash floods, landslides, and overflowing waterways.
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