Bangkok Declares Disaster as Flooding Disrupts the Capital

Bangkok authorities declared a disaster in Thailand’s capital on Saturday, September 26, after several days of heavy rain flooded roads and homes, disrupted traffic and forced some residents to evacuate. Emergency warnings were sent to people in affected areas, and shelters were opened for those displaced, officials said. The flooding spread across the city, particularly in central and eastern areas. Major roads were blocked, and some vehicles were left stranded as water rose. Reporters on the ground observed floodwater on roads and entering homes and restaurants beside canals. The full extent of damage and the number of people evacuated in Bangkok were not specified in the reports. The rainfall figures cited by officials reflect different measures and time periods. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said almost 300 millimeters had fallen since Thursday afternoon. Separately, officials said accumulated rainfall exceeding 20 centimeters filled major canals from Thursday afternoon to Saturday morning. The reports do not clarify how the measurements relate to one another.