Bangkok declares flood disaster as intense rainfall inundates city and kills two
Bangkok's governor declared a citywide flood disaster after nearly 300 millimetres of rain fell within 48 hours, causing canals to overflow and streets to flood. The disaster has killed at least two people and affected more than 84,000 people across Thailand. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul returned early from London to oversee the emergency response.
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Authorities in Bangkok declared a flood disaster on Saturday following almost 48 hours of intense rainfall that left canals overflowing and streets submerged. Nearly 300 millimetres of rain fell during this period, prompting Governor Chadchart Sittipunt to advise residents to remain at home while maintaining that the situation was stabilising.
The flooding has killed at least two people and affected more than 84,000 people nationwide. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul shortened his trip to London to return home and manage the response to the disaster. Residents reported water reaching waist height in some neighbourhoods, making it difficult to move around. Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67-year-old vendor living near a canal north of central Bangkok, described the situation: "The water keeps coming in. It is hard to go out now." She explained that she was unable to leave her home due to the rising water levels.
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