50 districts in Thailand including Bangkok underwater after days of heavy rain
A drone captured this view of vehicles lined up on a bridge to escape floodwaters in Hat Yai district of Thailand’s Songkhla province. File photo : Reuters
Authorities have declared all 50 districts of Thailand’s capital Bangkok disaster affected areas after widespread flooding caused by three consecutive days of heavy rain. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the city received nearly 300 millimeters of rain since Thursday afternoon.
Heavy rain has submerged roads and canals across the city. Water has entered many homes and shops. Waterlogging has brought traffic to a standstill on several roads. Vehicles have also become stranded in floodwaters in some areas.
The eastern part of the city has been the worst affected. With more rain forecast, the governor has urged residents to remain alert. He said it has become difficult to drain the water quickly as the canals are already full. However, the situation will improve if the rain subsides.
Authorities said it could take two to three days for the water to recede if the rainfall stops. Residents have been advised to move their vehicles and essential belongings to higher ground. Free parking facilities are also being provided at some MRT stations for vehicles.
Heavy rain is not unusual in Bangkok during the monsoon season. However, the continuous rainfall this time has created flooding across the city. Residents living along canals face an even greater risk.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said the effects of a low-pressure system could continue in the eastern, northeastern and central regions of the country until Sunday. This could increase the risk of flash floods, mountain runoff, landslides and rivers overflowing.
More than 500 people were killed and hundreds of thousands of homes were damaged in Thailand’s devastating floods in 2011. Many residents are comparing the current situation with those floods.
Source: Al Jazeera (Adapted)
