Bangkok, September 28 (Daily Kiran) : Continuous heavy rainfall has wreaked havoc in Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, causing severe flooding that has disrupted daily life. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported that since September 16, the floods have resulted in eight fatalities.
According to Xinhua News Agency, 28 provinces, including Bangkok, remain affected by this disaster. The situation is particularly dire in central, northern, eastern, and northeastern Thailand.
In response, the Thai cabinet announced public holidays for Monday and Tuesday in Bangkok and three surrounding provinces. Government offices and schools will remain closed to help alleviate the difficulties caused by the flooding.
The Thai Meteorological Department predicts that heavy to very heavy rainfall will persist in parts of northern, central, and eastern Thailand on Monday.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration reported that approximately 329,000 families and around 700,000 individuals have been impacted by the severe flooding in the capital. Between September 16 and 28, floods affected 42 provinces, displacing an estimated 1.8 million people.
Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolwongwat noted that the Lat Krabang district has been hit hardest, with 30,000 to 40,000 residents affected. All 50 districts in the city have been declared disaster zones. By late Sunday night, nearly 4,900 individuals had been relocated to temporary shelters, while around 52,000 homes were reported damaged.
From Thursday to Sunday, some areas in Bangkok recorded over 330 millimeters of rainfall, leading to major roadways being submerged and water levels reaching waist height in certain locations. Many vehicles were left half-submerged.
The severity of the flooding forced numerous families to abandon their homes for schools and other temporary relief centers. Thousands have been compelled to spend nights at these centers, with some schools repurposed to accommodate displaced individuals. Hundreds of schools are set to remain closed on Monday.
Deputy Governor Visanu Subsompon stated that efforts are underway to lower water levels in the main waterways of eastern Bangkok, specifically the Saen Sap and Pravet Buriram canals.
He emphasized, “The main strategy is to drain water from the Saen Sap and Pravet Buriram canals, which will also lower levels in smaller connected canals.” Visanu expressed hope that flooding conditions would improve in the early parts of Ramkhamhaeng Road on Monday, while some areas may take longer to recover.
Officials have intensified efforts to drain water from the city’s canals. Although water levels began to drop in several areas after the rain subsided on Sunday, many major canals still remain significantly elevated. Authorities have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.
Earlier, after nearly 300 millimeters of rainfall in just 48 hours, the Bangkok administration declared the capital a disaster-affected area. The military has set up temporary shelters and community kitchens to assist in relief efforts. Residents were advised to move belongings from low-lying areas and near canals to higher ground.
September typically marks the peak of the rainy season in Bangkok, but this year’s excessive rainfall has placed immense pressure on the city’s drainage systems. Currently, officials are focused on water removal, relocating affected individuals, and preparing for potential new rainfall.
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