Torrential rain causes flooding in Bangkok and affects thousands in Thailand

Torrential rains hit several areas of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, this Saturday (26), causing flooding and forcing hundreds of people to leave their homes. The heavy rains began on Thursday afternoon and have already affected more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces across the country.

Thai authorities declared, this Saturday (26), a state of calamity in the 50 districts of Bangkok.

Thailand's Meteorological Department warned that heavy rain was expected to continue across most of the country until Sunday, due to a low pressure system over the central region and a strengthening southwest monsoon.

Authorities reported that the accumulated volume of rain in several areas of Bangkok has exceeded 30 centimeters since Thursday. The water spread throughout the city, mainly in the central and eastern regions, blocking streets and interrupting traffic in some places.

The government reported that it sent emergency alerts to the cell phones of people in the affected areas.

Hwang Hwan-chung, who traveled from South Korea and has visited Bangkok more than ten times, said he had never seen such a “crazy” atmosphere in the city. He also said that he was unable to find a taxi.

Resident Sukanya Tongsuk said the current floods resemble those that hit Bangkok in 2011.

"I think it's been 10 or 15 years since we've seen rain this heavy," he said.

Dutchman Bjorn Franken, who has lived in the capital for two years, said he managed to deal with the situation, although an event he intended to participate in was cancelled.

Many commercial establishments in Bangkok closed this Saturday because of the floods.

In some areas of Bangkok, cars moved slowly through flooded streets, while motorcyclists pushed their motorcycles. According to authorities, some bus lines between the capital and eastern provinces have been suspended.

Phetchaburi Street, one of the capital's main roads, was practically empty, as flooding forced drivers to return. Some vehicles were partially submerged.

Residents walked through the murky waters carrying drinking water and food. Some were barefoot, others wore rubber boots, while several protected their feet with plastic bags.

Air traffic control authorities reported that airports continued to operate normally, although some flights may be delayed due to diversions caused by weather conditions.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said flooding should ease when the rain stops. According to him, municipal authorities are working to drain the water as quickly as possible.

More than 200 shelters were set up across the city, and around 900 people sought shelter in these locations, according to Sittipunt.

The governor stated this Saturday that the flood situation had “stabilized”, but that it would still take two or three days for the water to drain.

"The situation is stabilized. If it no longer rains in the region, the problem will be resolved," he said.

Some public buildings have opened parking areas to receive vehicles, according to authorities.