Bangkok declares flood disaster in all 50 districts after 48 hours of rain

Bangkok declared a flood disaster across all 50 of its districts on Saturday after almost 48 hours of continuous heavy rain left major roads submerged and forced thousands of residents from their homes. More than 200 shelters were set up across the city, and about 4,200 people had moved into them by Saturday, Governor Sittipunt said, according to the Associated Press. Residents in low-lying areas near canals were urged to stay home and move belongings to upper floors.

Phetchaburi Road, one of Bangkok's busiest thoroughfares, was unusually quiet as vehicles were turned back by deep floodwaters; some cars were left partially submerged, the AP reported. Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67-year-old shop owner who lives near a canal just north of central Bangkok, told AFP that water had reached her waist and she had been forced to close her business for two days. Pheuk-ngam said the flooding appeared worse than in 2011, when nationwide floods killed more than 500 people and damaged millions of homes.

No casualties have been reported in Bangkok from the current event, according to the BBC. Governor Sittipunt said the east of the city had been hardest hit and warned that more rain was forecast for Sunday. The Thai Meteorological Department expects heavy rain to continue through the week, though the low-pressure system responsible for the downpours is forecast to move toward central Thailand.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has warned of flash floods, forest runoff, mudslides and river overflow across eastern, northeastern and central provinces until Sunday, Al Jazeera reported. Nationwide, more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces have been affected by flooding, especially in the central region, according to the AP. Authorities sent emergency warning messages to cellphones and suspended some regional bus services from Bangkok to eastern provinces.

Air traffic control confirmed flight operations were normal, though some flights could face delays. The city government said the flooding situation had "stabilised" later on Saturday but warned it would take two or three days for water to drain, provided no further significant rain falls. Governor Sittipunt said flooding should recede once the rain subsides, as crews work to pump water toward the sea.

The Thai capital recorded nearly 300mm (11.8 inches) of rainfall since Thursday afternoon, according to Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, overwhelming the city's drainage network and pushing canal water into streets and buildings.