Bangkok Declares Flood Disaster Across 50 Districts

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt on September 26 declared a flood disaster across all 50 Bangkok districts after nearly 300 millimeters of rain since Thursday afternoon. The order took effect from September 25, widening an earlier designation that covered only Nong Chok, Suan Luang and Khan Na Yao. He signed it as director of Bangkok's disaster prevention and mitigation command. Eastern Bangkok was hardest-hit, he said.

"I think this time is worse than the 2011 flood," said vendor Somkid Pheuk-ngam, who reported waist-level water and had closed her shop for two days. That 2011 flooding killed more than 500 people and damaged millions of homes. "The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals are full," Chadchart said. "The risk areas are those who live near canals. Every canal is now filled." He urged residents to move cars and possessions to higher ground and advised bedridden patients on life-saving equipment to consider temporary hospital stays.

Shoppers crowded convenience stores; some ran low on dried food, water, instant noodles, ready meals and eggs. Makro and Lotus's said they were restocking and remained open. Somchai Pornratanacharoen said many neighbourhood restaurants closed and food delivery apps could not deliver as usual. Flooding was also reported in 20 provinces, with increased releases from the Chao Phraya Dam. Heavy rain was forecast through Sunday.

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