Bangkok declared disaster zone as severe flooding forces thousands into shelters

Bangkok authorities declared the entire capital a flood disaster zone after nearly 48 hours of heavy rain inundated homes and roads, disrupted travel and forced thousands of residents into temporary shelters.

Nearly 4,900 people had been evacuated and about 52,000 households affected, according to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. More than 330 millimetres (13 inches) of rain fell in parts of the city between Thursday and Sunday, the weather agency said.

Floodwaters remained deep in some districts on Sunday, while levels in Bangkok’s canal network were still high. Authorities were using pumps to accelerate drainage, and residents near canals were advised to move belongings upstairs. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt urged people to avoid unnecessary travel, and hundreds of city schools were due to close on Monday.

Some residents waded through knee-deep water to obtain food, while shops in heavily flooded neighborhoods reported shortages. The prime minister’s office urged people not to panic-buy and warned that price gouging is illegal.

Rain was forecast to continue through Sunday before easing on Monday. Although water was receding in some locations, several low-lying areas remained flooded. France 24 reported that at least eight people had died over the previous 10 days as heavy rains caused wider disruption in Thailand.