Bangkok Declares Emergency After Flooding Hits All 50 Districts

An emergency has been declared in Bangkok following widespread flooding across all 50 districts of the city, after 48 consecutive hours of heavy rain in  Thailand’s capital, AFP reported today. Residents were asked to remain in their homes, while those living near canals were instructed to move belongings to upper floors.

Somkid Piok-Ngam, 67, who lives near a canal north of the city center, told AFP: "The water keeps coming in. It’s hard to get out now. It’s about waist-high on me." She added, "I can’t go anywhere. I’ve been closing my store for two days already."

The Israeli Embassy in Bangkok issued a warning due to the weather and concerns that flooding could continue through Monday: "We recommend that Israeli citizens avoid nonessential travel and travel by ferries between the islands." The embassy also called on people to remain alert, follow media reports and official updates, and act in accordance with authorities’ instructions.

Thailand’s meteorological service is forecasting more heavy rain during the week, with rainfall expected to continue through Sunday. The low-pressure system that brought the downpours is expected to move toward central Thailand, and Bangkok officials are concerned that additional canals may overflow.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the eastern part of the city was hit the hardest: "We are trying to pump the water out, but the canals are full," he said, adding, "Every canal is full now." He later clarified: "If there is no additional rain, the problem will be resolved."