Bangkok declares disaster across city as extreme flooding kills 40
Thailand’s government has declared a flood disaster across all 50 Bangkok districts after around 300mm of rain fell in two days. About 40 people died, thousands sought shelter and transport, schools and airport operations were disrupted. Scientists warn extreme rainfall is likely to intensify across south-east Asia.
Bangkok has declared a flood disaster across all 50 districts after intense rainfall turned parts of the Thai capital into stagnant lakes, with about 40 people reported dead. The Guardian reported that roughly 300mm of rain fell in some areas over about two days. Government figures cited in the report said deaths included drownings and accidental electrocutions.
Thousands of people stayed in more than 230 shelters. In north-east Bangkok, residents of the Khlong Chan flat compound saw water rise to waist level around ground-floor access points, while parked cars were nearly submerged. The flooding disrupted schools, roads and operations at Suvarnabhumi airport.
About half of Thai Airways’ workforce was reportedly unable to reach work at one point, causing luggage to accumulate and flights to be cancelled. Bangkok relies on canals, pumps and dikes to drain water, but concrete construction has reduced parts of the canal network. Officials set up a war room to monitor the situation, while Thailand’s weather agency forecast more heavy rain for the following week.
Scientists said the event cannot yet be directly attributed to climate change without further study. Data cited by the report linked the rainfall to a low-pressure system that moved from an unusually warm South China Sea and became stalled over Bangkok. An unusually strong El Niño may also have contributed to extreme conditions.
Ocean scientist Nikolaos Skliris said central Thailand had already experienced a small but significant trend towards extreme rainfall, with models indicating that heavier and more frequent downpours may follow. Neighbouring Myanmar was also affected by the weather system, with flash floods, blocked roads and a landslide. Officials said nine people had died in one village and eight were missing in another, while conflict and restrictions on media access complicated rescue and aid efforts.
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