Bangkok: Floodwaters in Thailand’s capital Bangkok began receding on Monday after heavy rainfall over the weekend, although several neighbourhoods and major roads remained inundated.
Rain continued intermittently, but city officials said improving conditions allowed drainage operations to be accelerated. Four major canals had reached high water levels during the weekend, limiting their ability to absorb runoff from surrounding communities.
More rain was forecast across several parts of Thailand, although Bangkok was expected to receive comparatively lower rainfall.
About 7 lakh residents affected
The flooding affected around 3.29 lakh households, representing approximately 7 lakh people, according to the Bangkok Flood Control Centre.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared a flood emergency across all 50 city districts on Saturday. Authorities said they were prioritising vulnerable residents, including elderly people and those with disabilities, by delivering essential supplies or arranging evacuations.
Nearly 7,000 people were staying in emergency shelters, according to city officials.
Eastern Bangkok was among the worst-affected areas. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited a heavily flooded housing estate in Bang Kapi district on Sunday night and helped distribute relief supplies.
Water remained around knee-deep near a train station and shopping mall in Bang Kapi on Monday. Despite intermittent rain, residents and shoppers were seen moving through the water, while a small boat operated by the shopping mall was being used to transport people to and from the station.
Residents struggle with homes, jobs and pets
The flooding has also affected residents' livelihoods.
Naowarat Supanikorn, a 55-year-old domestic worker living in a single-storey house with three dogs and six cats, said floodwater began entering her home early Saturday.
She temporarily moved her pets to a neighbour's home as water levels rose. She said the water in her neighbourhood reached above hip level at its peak before falling to around knee height.
The flooding also affected her employment after she was unable to reach her workplace at a condominium. She said she subsequently left the job and began preparing food for sale in an effort to earn some income.
Residents in affected areas have also faced concerns over food, utility bills and other household expenses.
Flooding disrupts supply chains
The impact of the flooding extended beyond residential areas. Panic buying of food was reported in some areas, while disruptions to supply chains affected the availability and movement of food and other goods.
Businesses also faced staffing problems as employees struggled to travel through flooded roads and neighbourhoods.
Bangkok airport faces baggage delays
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok's main international airport, also reported disruptions.
The airport said baggage had accumulated because of insufficient staffing for ground-handling operations and problems involving some baggage carts. Some departures were delayed, while arriving passengers faced longer waits for their luggage.
The airport said baggage from several flights remained undelivered as the disruption continued.
The Thai government declared special holidays on Monday and Tuesday for state offices. It advised state enterprises, financial institutions, private companies and hospitals to assess whether they needed to remain operational.
Thailand's meteorological agency warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in several parts of the country. Authorities urged residents, particularly in northern, central and eastern regions, to prepare for possible flash floods, river overflows, forest runoff and landslides, especially in areas near waterways, foothills and low-lying locations.
