Bangkok Reels Under Heavy Rain as Floods Disrupt Traffic, Force Evacuations

Parts of Bangkok were submerged after continuous rain from Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning, disrupting traffic and forcing some residents to leave their homes.

Officials said major canals in the Thai capital filled with accumulated rainfall exceeding 20 centimetres (7.8 inches). Floodwaters spread across the city, particularly in its central and eastern districts, blocking roads and bringing traffic to a halt. Photographs and videos showed major thoroughfares under water and cars abandoned after drivers could not move through the rising water.

The downpours struck Bangkok for much of Friday and persisted into Saturday. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said heavy rain was expected through Saturday, but flooding should recede once the rain subsides, with city officials working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.

Several shelters were set up for residents forced to evacuate, and some government facilities were opened to provide vehicle parking, officials said.

Thailand's Meteorological Department warned that heavy rain would continue in most parts of the country through Sunday, citing a strong low-pressure system over the central region and strengthening southwest monsoon conditions.

Nationwide, more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces had been affected by flooding as of Saturday, especially in the central region. Authorities sent emergency warning messages through the cell-broadcast system to people in affected areas, the government said.