Heavy flooding in Bangkok and parts of Thailand

Since last Thursday, 300 millimeters of rain has fallen over Bangkok. According to Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, the eastern part of the city has been hit hardest, but all 50 districts of the city have been declared emergency zones. But it is not only the capital that has been affected; over 84,000 people in 21 of the country's provinces are said to be affected by the downpour.

Roads have been blocked, traffic is stopped and cars have been left partially under water, AP reports. Many pedestrians have wrapped plastic bags around their feet and some walk barefoot through the murky water.

Over 200 evacuation sites have been set up where 900 people have sought shelter, Sittipunt tells the news agency.

Several businesses have also been forced to close due to the rainfall. 67-year-old salesman Somkid Pheuk-ngam, who lives near a canal just north of central Bangkok, testifies to the consequences of the flooding.

- The water continues to flow in. It's hard to get out now. It reaches me up to the waist, she tells AFP and continues:

- I can't get anywhere. I have kept my shop closed for two days now.

Bangkok's governor believes the flooding will recede as soon as the rain subsides, as city officials work to divert the water.

- The rain continues to fall and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump out the water, but the canals are full... Those who live near the canals are at risk. Every channel is now filled, Sittipunt told AFP.

The recent days' downpours were caused by a low pressure, according to Thailand's Meteorological Institute. The authority warns that there will continue to be heavy rainfall during the week, but that the low pressure will rather move towards the central parts of the country. The rain is expected to last until Sunday in large parts of the country, warns Thailand's weather institute.

In 2011, almost all of Thailand was hit by the worst floods in 50 years, resulting in over 800 deaths. No deaths or injuries have so far been reported from the floods of the past few days.