Bangkok flood ‘disaster’: Heavy rain causes havoc; Homes, shops and roads are waterlogged | Watch

Heavy rain has caused widespread flooding in Bangkok, prompting the Thai government to declare a state of disaster. Over the past two days, the city has experienced nearly 48 hours of intense downpour, resulting in waterlogged streets, homes, and shops. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul cut short a trip to London to manage the crisis, returning to Bangkok to oversee the situation.

Authorities estimate that roughly 300mm of rain fell between Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning, with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration declaring 50 districts under a state of emergency. Notably, one vendor described the floodwaters reaching her waist, while another resident claimed this continuous rain was unprecedented in his experience.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that the situation has stabilized, predicting improved conditions once the rain ceases. However, draining the floodwater will require two to three days, as the city's extensive canal network is now completely filled with murky water. Officials are collaborating with neighboring provinces to facilitate the drainage process.

Residents have been seen navigating flooded eastern districts, some even using motorcycles to traverse the rising waters. Parked vehicles in major roads are partially submerged. In Bang Bua district, a woman attempted to save shop inventory, while office worker Khem Amnueilaph expressed concern about the knee-high water in his elevated home, though nearby older houses have already suffered severe flooding.

Despite the challenges, some convenience stores have already run out of essential supplies by midday. Authorities have pre-positioned one million sandbags across the city to prepare for potential emergency situations. September 2023 has seen an unusually high amount of rainfall in Bangkok, with the city recording 487mm until September 25, significantly surpassing the typical average of 269mm for this period.

Scientists attribute this extreme weather to rising global temperatures stemming from fossil fuel emissions, predicting that such flooding events will become more frequent in the future.