Bangkok authorities declared disaster status across all 50 districts Saturday after a third straight day of heavy rain flooded roads and homes. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said nearly 300 millimetres had fallen since Thursday afternoon and warned more rain was forecast.
The designation gives local organisations authority to take action. Chadchart said eastern Bangkok was hardest hit and canals were full, putting canal-side areas at risk. He advised residents to move cars to higher ground and bedridden patients dependent on life-saving equipment to consider a temporary hospital stay. The public transport authority offered free use of MRT park-and-ride carparks through October 2.
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warned of low pressure across eastern, northeastern and central Thailand until Sunday, with risks of flash floods, forest runoff, mudslides and river overflow.
