Heavy rain floods Bangkok, disrupts traffic and forces evacuations

Continuous heavy rain has flooded several parts of Bangkok since Thursday afternoon, disrupting traffic and forcing some residents to leave their homes.

Officials said rainfall exceeding 20 cm had filled major canals in the Thai capital, with floodwaters spreading across central and eastern parts of the city. Several roads were submerged, leaving vehicles stranded and bringing traffic to a standstill.

Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned that heavy rain could continue across most parts of the country through Sunday, citing a strong low-pressure system over the central region and strengthening southwest monsoon conditions.

More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces had been affected by flooding as of Saturday, particularly in central Thailand, the government said. Authorities have also sent emergency alerts through the cell-broadcast system to residents in affected areas.

Bangkok experienced heavy downpours through Friday, with rain continuing into Saturday. Images from the city showed flooded roads and cars abandoned after motorists were unable to continue.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said more rain was expected through Saturday but expressed hope that floodwaters would recede once the showers eased. City authorities were working to drain the affected areas as quickly as possible.

Several shelters have been opened for residents forced to evacuate, while some government facilities are being used as temporary parking areas.