Bangkok floods affect 700,000 people as eight districts remain flooded

BANGKOK — Flooding in Bangkok has affected around 300,000 households, or about 700,000 people, since the situation began, while eight districts remain flooded, Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej said on Monday.

Speaking at Bangkok’s Flood Prevention and Control Centre on 28 September, Tavida said rainfall in the capital was expected to ease, with rain forecast in 60% of Bangkok on Monday, mainly in eastern areas, falling to 30% on Tuesday.

However, water levels in the Saen Saep and Lat Phrao canals remained critically high and had overflowed their banks. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration was working to pump water into the Bang Sue and Saen Saep tunnels to drain it towards the Chao Phraya River.

The BMA was also monitoring water flowing down from northern areas, which had begun raising water levels significantly in Bang Phlat and Thawi Watthana districts.

Flooding has been reported in 42 districts cumulatively, with eight still affected: Lat Krabang, Bang Kapi, Min Buri, Saphan Sung, Suan Luang, Bueng Kum, Khlong Sam Wa and Sai Mai.

The number of calls to the 1669 emergency medical hotline has risen to more than 7,200 a day, compared with around 3,000 normally, as the flooding has affected vulnerable residents.

The BMA has formed a special task force with the Ministry of Public Health to send medical teams to vulnerable patients. Bangkok hospitals in the eastern part of the city have also been converted into shelters for bedridden patients with complex needs.

Rescue operations have faced difficulties because of high floodwaters. More than 70 six-wheel trucks operated by the BMA’s Public Works Department and seven ambulances have suffered engine failures after being affected by floodwater.

The BMA has requested 15 additional high-clearance GMC vehicles from the military to accompany medical teams entering flooded areas.

Food supplies are also in high demand. Lat Krabang requires around 20,000 meal boxes per meal, while Bang Kapi requires around 3,000. The BMA has deployed mobile kitchens to support the affected areas.

Khlong Chan flats

Tavida also addressed criticism over delays in assistance at the Khlong Chan flats, where more than 95,000 people were affected during the first 24 hours of flooding.

She said the delay was caused by rapidly rising water levels and large vehicles blocking access, preventing high-clearance district vehicles from operating in the area.

Bangkok Permanent Secretary Silapasuai Rawisaengsun has since taken direct control of the command centre in the area and changed the food distribution strategy, with supplies now being distributed from the innermost buildings towards the front.

The Bang Kapi district chief, who is due to retire, will continue working alongside the incoming district chief to ensure continuity in flood response operations.

Compensation and safety warning

Tavida said the BMA was also discussing additional assistance for condominium residents. While condominium accommodation normally does not qualify under standard flood-damage compensation criteria, the BMA is considering a special category similar to the home-cleaning assistance provided in Chiang Rai province.

She also warned residents about the rising risk of electrical short circuits. Incidents have increased from an average of around 10 a day to between 27 and 53 a day over the past three days.

Residents were urged to check for water leaks and inspect electrical wiring in their homes. The BMA’s high-clearance fire engines are available to enter flooded areas and provide assistance around the clock.

People wishing to donate goods can take them to Bangkok City Hall in Din Daeng or the Prawet District Vocational Training Centre. Those wishing to donate large quantities of cooked meal boxes are asked to contact the 1555 hotline in advance and avoid ingredients that spoil easily.