Bangkok Declares Disaster Across All 50 Districts

Bangkok declared a disaster across all 50 districts after days of heavy rain caused widespread flooding, disrupting travel and leaving some neighborhoods inundated. By September 29, authorities said floodwaters were receding in parts of the capital, while the Interior Ministry reported 23 deaths nationwide since September 16, including four in Bangkok. The reported toll had been lower a day earlier. On September 28, disaster officials said eight people had died nationwide since September 16 and none in Bangkok. The later Interior Ministry count included four deaths in the capital. The supplied accounts do not reconcile the changing totals. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said major roads could be cleared within two days, while other flooded areas might take up to a week. Officials had previously warned that high canal levels could slow drainage, even as water began to recede in some locations. Flooding followed several days of intense rainfall; reports put totals in parts of the city at about 320 millimetres over three days. The flooding disrupted roads, businesses and public transport, and prompted authorities to open temporary shelters and close schools.