Severe Flooding in Bangkok: 700,000 Affected as Rainfall Continues

BANGKOK — Severe flooding in Bangkok has impacted approximately 300,000 households, affecting around 700,000 residents since the onset of heavy rains on September 24. As of September 28, eight districts remain flooded, according to Bangkok Deputy Governor Tavida Kamolvej.

Despite forecasts indicating a decrease in rainfall, with a 60% chance of rain primarily in the eastern parts of the city, water levels in the Saen Saep and Lat Phrao canals continue to pose significant risks as they overflow their banks. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is actively working to pump water into the Bang Sue and Saen Saep tunnels to direct it towards the Chao Phraya River.

The BMA has reported flooding in 42 districts overall, with the most severely affected areas being Lat Krabang, Bang Kapi, Min Buri, Saphan Sung, Suan Luang, Bueng Kum, Khlong Sam Wa, and Sai Mai. The number of emergency medical calls has surged to over 7,200 daily, compared to the usual 3,000, highlighting the strain on healthcare services for vulnerable populations.

In response to the crisis, the BMA has formed a special task force in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health to deploy medical teams to assist those in need. Hospitals in the eastern regions are being converted into shelters for bedridden patients requiring complex care. However, rescue operations have faced challenges due to high water levels, with many vehicles, including over 70 six-wheel trucks and ambulances, suffering engine failures after being submerged.

Food supplies are critically needed, particularly in Lat Krabang, which requires around 20,000 meal boxes per meal, while Bang Kapi needs approximately 3,000. Mobile kitchens have been dispatched to support the affected areas. Tavida has acknowledged delays in assistance, particularly in the Khlong Chan flats, where over 95,000 people were impacted within the first 24 hours of flooding. She attributed these delays to rapidly rising water levels and access issues caused by large vehicles blocking routes.

Additionally, the BMA is considering extending assistance to residents of condominiums, which typically do not qualify for standard flood-damage compensation. The administration is contemplating a special category for these residents, similar to home-cleaning assistance provided in Chiang Rai province.

Authorities are also warning residents about the increased risk of electrical short circuits, with incidents rising from an average of 10 to between 27 and 53 daily in recent days. Residents are advised to check for leaks and inspect electrical wiring in their homes. The BMA has made high-clearance fire engines available for assistance around the clock.

For those wishing to help, donations of goods can be taken to Bangkok City Hall in Din Daeng or the Prawet District Vocational Training Centre. Large quantities of cooked meal boxes should be coordinated in advance through the 1555 hotline, with an emphasis on avoiding perishable ingredients.