Authorities in Bangkok have declared a flood emergency disaster across the Thai capital after two days of intense rainfall overwhelmed the city's drainage infrastructure, leaving roads underwater and prompting officials to expand emergency measures to all 50 districts.
On September 26, the city's governor formalized the disaster designation, according to . The declaration initially covered three districts—Nong Chok, Suan Luang and Khan Na Yao—before being expanded to encompass all 50 Bangkok districts as conditions worsened. Residents have been instructed to remain indoors, and those living adjacent to the city's extensive canal network have been told to relocate their possessions to higher floors as water levels continue to rise.
While thunderstorms occur regularly in Thailand during this season, the recent extreme weather has saturated Bangkok's drainage system beyond its capacity, creating severe traffic disruptions on roads already notorious for congestion. According to France24, nearly 300 millimetres of rain had fallen since Thursday afternoon. The Thai Meteorological Service has warned that heavy precipitation will persist through Sunday, September 27, raising the possibility that additional canals could overflow their banks.
Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67-year-old resident living near a canal just north of central Bangkok, described the deteriorating situation to the AFP news agency.
The water keeps coming in. It's hard to go out now. It's like at my waist level now. I cannot go anywhere. I have been closing my shop for two days now.She noted that water levels appeared to exceed those recorded during the 2011 nationwide flooding event, which killed hundreds of people across Thailand and persisted for three months. To date, no deaths have been reported in Bangkok from the current flooding.
How widespread is the flooding beyond Bangkok?
The flooding extends far beyond the capital. According to officials, more than 84,000 people across 21 provinces have been affected by flooding as of Saturday, indicating a broader regional crisis beyond Bangkok's borders.
Which areas of Bangkok have been hit hardest?
The eastern districts of Bangkok have experienced the most severe impacts, with major canals in those areas reaching critical water levels. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt told AFP that the east of the city had been the hardest hit.
The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals are full... The risk areas are those who live near canals. Every canal is now filled.
What is expected to happen next?
The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts that heavy rain will continue through Sunday, September 27, though the low-pressure system responsible for the recent downpours is anticipated to shift toward central Thailand. Bangkok officials have stated they will continue pumping floodwater from affected areas once rainfall diminishes, with conditions expected to improve by September 27.
Key Facts
- A flood emergency disaster was declared across Bangkok on September 26 after 48 hours of heavy rain overwhelmed the city's drainage system
- Nearly 300 millimetres of rain fell since Thursday afternoon, affecting more than 84,000 people across 21 provinces nationwide
- All 50 Bangkok districts have been designated emergency zones, with eastern areas experiencing the most severe flooding
- Heavy rain is forecast to continue through September 27, with officials pumping water continuously to prevent further canal overflow
- No casualties have been reported in Bangkok so far, though water levels in some areas appear to exceed those from the devastating 2011 nationwide flooding
