BANGKOK, Sept 26: Persistent heavy rain has flooded several parts of Bangkok, disrupting road traffic and prompting evacuations as water levels rose across the Thai capital from Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning.
Officials said major canals in the city had received accumulated rainfall of more than 20 centimetres (7.8 inches) by Saturday. The resulting overflow inundated roads, particularly in central and eastern Bangkok, leaving several routes impassable and bringing traffic to a halt.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department has forecast further heavy rain across large parts of the country through Sunday. The weather conditions have been linked to a strong low-pressure system over the central region, along with strengthening southwest monsoon conditions.
The flooding has affected communities beyond Bangkok as well. The government said more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces had been impacted by flooding as of Saturday, with the central region among the worst-affected areas.
Authorities have activated the cell-broadcast warning system to send emergency alerts to people living in areas facing flood risks. The messages were intended to provide residents with timely information as officials continued monitoring water levels and local conditions.
Bangkok experienced intense downpours throughout Friday, with rainfall continuing into Saturday. Images and videos from the capital showed submerged major roads, while several vehicles were left stranded after rising water made it difficult or impossible for motorists to continue their journeys.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said further heavy rain was expected during Saturday. He expressed confidence that floodwaters would gradually decline after the rainfall eases, while city authorities continue efforts to drain water from affected areas.
Municipal teams have been working to remove accumulated water as quickly as possible, with drainage operations focused on roads and other locations experiencing significant flooding.
The continuing rainfall has placed additional pressure on the city’s drainage infrastructure, particularly in areas where water accumulated faster than it could be discharged. Officials have been monitoring major canals and flood-prone locations as rainfall continued.
For residents in severely affected neighbourhoods, temporary shelters have been established to provide accommodation to those unable to remain in their homes. Government facilities have also been made available in some locations to provide parking space for vehicles as residents seek safer areas.
The flooding has disrupted normal activity across parts of the capital, with commuters facing difficult road conditions and motorists unable to travel through several inundated routes. Authorities have urged people in vulnerable areas to remain alert to official warnings as the weather system continues to affect the country.
The Meteorological Department’s forecast of continued rainfall through Sunday means authorities are preparing for the possibility of additional flooding in Bangkok and other provinces.
The scale of the flooding has varied across affected areas, with some locations experiencing temporary waterlogging while others have seen deeper water covering roads and surrounding properties.
Emergency authorities and local officials have continued to assess conditions and respond to requests for assistance from affected communities. The establishment of shelters is intended to ensure that residents displaced by the flooding have access to temporary accommodation.
The government’s emergency warning messages are also part of efforts to improve communication during the flooding. Cell-broadcast alerts allow authorities to reach people in affected locations directly with information about developing risks.
Bangkok’s latest flooding comes as the capital continues to manage the effects of heavy seasonal rainfall. The city’s extensive network of canals and drainage channels plays an important role in removing rainwater, but prolonged downpours can cause water levels to rise rapidly.
With more rain forecast, authorities are keeping drainage operations active and monitoring conditions across the capital.
Residents and motorists have been particularly affected by flooding on major roads, where standing water has disrupted transportation. Abandoned vehicles seen on flooded streets highlighted the difficulties faced by drivers as water levels increased.
Officials said the situation should improve once the rain weakens, allowing drainage systems to clear accumulated water. However, further rainfall could prolong flooding in areas where water has not yet receded.
Across Thailand, the impact has extended well beyond Bangkok, with tens of thousands of people affected in 21 provinces. The central region has reported significant flooding, prompting authorities to maintain emergency responses and issue warnings to communities at risk.
As Bangkok faces another period of heavy rain, local authorities are continuing drainage work, providing temporary shelter and monitoring flood-prone areas. The immediate priority remains reducing water levels and assisting residents affected by the inundation.
Weather officials have advised people to remain cautious as the low-pressure system and monsoon conditions continue to produce heavy rainfall. Authorities are expected to maintain emergency measures until weather conditions improve and floodwaters recede.