BANGKOK, Thailand | Torrential rain has flooded large parts of Bangkok, disrupting traffic and forcing thousands of residents to move into emergency shelters as authorities declared all 50 districts of the Thai capital a flood disaster area on Saturday.
The Associated Press reported that rain had fallen almost continuously since Thursday afternoon, with accumulated rainfall exceeding 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) in many parts of Bangkok. Floodwaters spread particularly across central and eastern areas, blocking roads, submerging vehicles and bringing traffic to a standstill in some locations.
Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said more than 200 shelters had been established across the city, with about 4,200 people already moving into them. More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces across Thailand had been affected by flooding as of Saturday, according to government figures cited by AP.
The flooding also disrupted public transportation. AP reported that some regional bus services from Bangkok to eastern provinces were suspended, while cars crawled through waterlogged streets and motorists and motorcycle riders struggled to pass. Phetchaburi Road, one of the capital’s major thoroughfares, was partly blocked, with some vehicles left partially submerged. Many businesses also closed because of the flooding.
Thailand’s Meteorological Department had warned before the flooding intensified that an active low-pressure system moving across the central region, combined with a strengthening southwest monsoon, could bring heavy to very heavy rain to Bangkok and surrounding areas from Sept. 24 to 27. Its latest advisory on Saturday warned that intense rainfall could continue through Sunday and increase the risk of flash floods and overflowing waterways.
Despite the disruption on roads, air traffic remained operational, although authorities warned that some flights could experience delays. Chadchart said floodwaters were expected to recede after the rain eased as city workers continued efforts to drain affected areas.
The flooding has drawn comparisons with Bangkok’s devastating experience in 2011. The World Bank said that year’s floods affected more than 13 million people and caused about $46.5 billion in damage and losses, making it one of Thailand’s most costly natural disasters. The disaster also exposed Bangkok and the wider Chao Phraya basin’s vulnerability to prolonged monsoon rainfall and flooding.
For now, Thai authorities are continuing emergency operations as forecasters monitor the low-pressure system and monsoon conditions expected to keep bringing heavy rainfall to Bangkok and other parts of the country through the weekend.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
