Bangkok declares city-wide disaster zone after 48 hours of relentless rain

Key points

• The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration declared a disaster zone for all 50 districts, granting local organizations special powers to respond to the crisis.
• Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that nearly 300mm of rain fell since Thursday afternoon, with the eastern part of the city and areas near canals being the most severely impacted.
• The government stated that the flooding situation had stabilized by Saturday afternoon, but warned that it would take two to three days for the water to drain completely, provided no further rainfall occurs.
• Approximately 980 people were staying in temporary shelters, and 36 bedridden individuals were transferred to hospitals, according to the governor.
• The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation warned of low pressure across eastern, northeastern, and central Thailand until Sunday, posing risks of flash floods, mudslides, and river overflow.

Background

This event occurs during the peak of Bangkok's rainy season, which typically sees heavy downpours. However, the current rainfall is significantly higher than the 1991-2020 average for the same period. The city, built on former marshland and resting about 1.5 meters above sea level, is prone to flooding, as seen in the 2011 disaster that killed over 500 people and damaged millions of homes. Recent global events, such as the Indiana flood and Japan's Chiba floods, highlight a trend of extreme weather events linked to climate change.

How outlets are covering it

Al Jazeera and France 24 both report on the disaster zone declaration and the 300mm rainfall, but France 24 provides additional details on the impact, such as the number of people in temporary shelters and the transfer of bedridden individuals to hospitals. Al Jazeera emphasizes the continuous nature of the rain and the residents' concerns, while France 24 highlights the government's efforts to manage the situation and the potential for further flooding. Both outlets agree on the severity of the event and the need for continued vigilance.

Why it matters

The flooding in Bangkok highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change. The city's vulnerability, combined with the high rainfall, underscores the need for improved infrastructure and emergency response systems. The event also serves as a warning for other regions prone to similar weather patterns, emphasizing the global impact of climate change.

What to watch

The government will continue to monitor the situation and work to drain the floodwaters, which is expected to take two to three days if the rain stops. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation will continue to warn of low pressure and potential flooding in eastern, northeastern, and central Thailand until Sunday. Residents are advised to move their belongings to higher ground and stay informed about the situation.