Severe flooding has forced thousands of people into shelters in Bangkok after heavy rain overwhelmed parts of Thailand’s capital. Residents waded through deep water on Monday to reach food and other essentials, while emergency teams used boats and mobile kitchens to assist affected communities.
Thailand’s interior ministry said floods across 41 provinces since September 16 had killed at least eight people and disrupted more than 580,000 homes. An official said over 80,000 residents in flooded areas were unable to leave their homes. In Bangkok, nearly 6,000 people had moved into 234 evacuation centres.
The capital received about 320 millimetres of rain over two or three days last week, nearly as much as it typically receives during the whole of September. Its drainage network struggled to cope. Authorities also ordered evacuations in the eastern province of Rayong after rising water pushed two reservoirs beyond capacity.
The economic cost may be substantial. One university economist estimated nationwide damage at at least 11 billion baht, roughly $327 million, and warned that losses could rise if flooding continues. Shops, markets and transport have been disrupted as residents try to manage daily life in inundated neighbourhoods.
The immediate priorities are food, safe shelter and access to affected areas. Officials are also watching rainfall and reservoir levels to assess where further evacuations may be needed.
