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'Disaster Area' Declared as Bangkok Floods Under Heavy Downpours

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Bangkok's government has declared the city a "disaster-affected area" amid intense rain and heavy flooding.

Bangkok Declared Disaster Zone Amid Severe Flooding

REPORTER:  
Bangkok's governor on Saturday declared Thailand's capital city a disaster-affected zone after residents woke to widespread flooding, with some roads inundated and more rain forecast over the weekend.

The city has experienced more than 24 hours of continuous rainfall, exceeding 150 mm in some areas, with the weather agency forecasting thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain through the weekend.

Flooding in business and residential districts, particularly areas near canals, ranged from ankle- to knee-deep. Residents rushed to convenience stores to stock up on food supplies, while some drivers moved their vehicles onto bridges to escape rising water.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the situation poses a risk to people's lives as well as damage to public and private property. The government has issued an emergency advisory urging residents living near canals to move their possessions to higher ground.

REPORTER:  
Eyewitness video showed residents navigating flooded streets by boat Saturday after Bangkok's governor declared the capital a disaster-affected zone.

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt issued the declaration on Saturday after residents woke to widespread flooding, with some roads inundated and more heavy rain forecast through the weekend.

The city has seen more than 24 hours of continuous rain, exceeding 150 mm (5.9 inches) in some areas, according to the weather agency, which is forecasting thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain through Sunday.

Flooding in business and residential districts, particularly near canals, ranged from ankle- to knee-deep. Residents rushed to convenience stores to stock up on food, while some drivers moved their vehicles onto bridges to escape the rising water.

Chadchart said the situation poses a risk to lives and could damage public and private property. The government has issued an emergency advisory urging residents living near canals to move their belongings to higher ground.