Bangkok declared public disaster zone after sustained rainfall, flooding

All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared a public disaster zones after sustained rainfall caused widespread flooding across the city.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced this morning (26 September) that the declaration, which previously covered three districts, has been extended to cover all of Bangkok to enable relevant agencies to promptly and systematically respond to the situation.

Several main roads have been flooded, with some impassable, including stretches of Vibhavadi Road, Ratchadapisek Road, Phattanakan Road, Chaeng Wattana Road, Phaholyothin Road, and New Phetchaburi Road, as well as side streets in Lat Phrao and Ramkhamhaeng. Small cars are advised to avoid heavily flooded locations due to safety concerns.

Residents can check which locations are flooded on the BMA’s flood alert website before travel. Meanwhile, those living near canals have been advised to move cars and belongings to high grounds.

Nearly 48 hours of continuous rains have caused widespread flooding in several areas of the city, especially in the eastern districts, said Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt on Saturday morning (26 September). Several districts, including Min Buri and Klong Sam Wa, experienced almost 300 milimetres of accumulated rainfall, while more water is coming down from Pathumthani and Nontaburi. The BMA is working to reduce water levels in main canals, provide assistance to vulnerable population, and open temporary shelters. Residents are advised to stay home due to flooding on main roads.

On social media, netizens reported convenience stores and supermarkets being emptied as residents stock up on essentials in case the flood worsens.

Meanwhile, the Thai Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain warning until 27 September, with continuous rainfall and isolated heavy to very heavy rain likely in the central region including Bangkok and its vicinity.

Floodings have also been reported in Nontaburi, Pathumthani, Nakhon Pathom, and Ayutthaya.

People living in low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River and downstream from the Chao Phraya Dam have been advised to be on alert as discharges from the dam are gradually being increased.