Bangkok Flooding Persists as Rain Eases; Thousands in Shelters

Rain eased over Thailand's capital on Monday, yet floodwaters continued to inundate several low-lying districts of Bangkok, forcing thousands of residents into temporary shelters.

At least eight people have been reported killed across the country over the past 10 days, as days of continuous downpours caused widespread flooding and severe disruption to traffic and businesses. Accumulated rainfall exceeded 30 centimetres (11.8 inches) in many areas of the capital.

Footage from the city showed residents wading through flooded streets and rescue workers transporting a pregnant woman by speed boat.

Bangkok has set up more than 200 temporary shelters, where about 3,000 people remained as of Sunday. Officials said 31 roads were still affected by floodwaters.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said rainfall in the capital had decreased and city officials were working to drain water as quickly as possible. He cautioned that water levels in the city's main canals remained high, with some still rising as water continued to flow in from nearby areas.

Several low-lying areas, particularly in the suburbs, were still submerged and many communities had to evacuate, Chadchart said.

The Meteorological Department said moderate to heavy rain was still expected in several parts of the country on Sunday, but conditions were expected to improve by Monday.