Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared Thailand’s capital a disaster-affected zone on Saturday after torrential downpours dropped nearly 300 millimetres of rain within 48 hours.
Torrential Downpours Flood Bangkok Roads and Swell Canals
Nearly 300 millimetres of rain fell between Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning, overwhelming drainage systems across Bangkok according to official figures. The relentless storms pushed water levels higher in the city’s network of canals, sending murky water into surrounding alleyways, restaurants, and ground-floor homes.
Built on former marshland about 1.5 metres (five feet) above sea level, the Thai capital is accustomed to wet weather during the September peak of the rainy season. Residents noted that the continuous multi-day deluge felt far worse than usual as reported by AFP. Statistics from the drainage department indicated that 487 mm of precipitation fell in the city between September 1 and 25, whereas the historical norm for that timeframe from 1991 to 2020 was approximately 269 mm.
“I feel like in all the many years I’ve lived here, I’ve never encountered anything like this, where it rains continuously for days,”
Anutin Meechamnan, Bangkok resident
Streets transformed into waterways as commuters and residents waded through waist-high water. In several eastern areas of Bangkok, journalists observed residents wading through deep water or pushing their motorcycles, alongside a major road where parked automobiles were partially submerged. Convenience store shelves emptied by lunchtime as residents raced to buy essentials.
Emergency Disaster Declaration Across All 50 Districts
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt formally declared all 50 districts of Bangkok as flood disaster areas to grant local organisations special powers and help authorities respond quickly. The move came as weather agencies forecast thunderstorms over the weekend. Alongside disaster relief operations involving the establishment of shelters and field kitchens by the army, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration designated local schools as temporary lodgings and urged citizens to refrain from non-essential travel.
“The water keeps coming in. It’s hard to go out now. It’s like at my waist level now,”
Somkid Pheuk-ngam, 67, a vendor who lives near a canal just north of central Bangkok
Anutin Charnvirakul cut short a trip to London to return home after almost 300 millimetres of rain fell between Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning. Meanwhile, the government issued an emergency advisory for people living near canals to move possessions to higher ground.
Drainage Efforts and Transport Impacts
City pumping stations were operating at full capacity, pumping some 1,200 cubic meters per second combined. Governor Chadchart noted that regional coordination remains critical to managing the inundation as he provided an update broadcast on social media.
“Our problem is that the canals are full. We are cooperating with nearby provinces and try to drain water out through other sides, minimising the amount that flows into Bangkok.”
Chadchart Sittipunt, Bangkok Governor
At least 13 major roads were flooded, though Chadchart urged residents not to worry about potential food shortages, stressing that the public does not have to be panicked. The city’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, was operating normally, though air traffic control authorities confirmed that while flight operations were normal, some flights might face delays and the tourism authority advised travellers to allow an extra two to three hours in their plans.
During a Saturday afternoon update, Governor Chadchart mentioned that conditions had begun to level off, anticipating that floodwaters could be cleared within two to three days provided the rain ceases.
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