Bangkok ravaged by floods, emergency declared

A state of emergency has been declared across the entire city of Bangkok as the flood situation in Thailand's capital worsens. Various roads in the city have been submerged after more than 300 millimetres (12 inches) of rainfall since Thursday, according to the BBC.

On Sunday, September 27, the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority said rainfall had decreased somewhat. However, the water levels in the city's canals are still very high. The Bangkok governor also warned that the flood situation has not yet ended.

Thunderstorms at this time of year are normal in Thailand. However, the unusually heavy rainfall of recent days has effectively crippled Bangkok's drainage system. As a result, a major crisis has been created on the city's roads, which are already known for severe traffic congestion.

Many city residents claim the current situation seems worse than the 2011 floods. That year, Bangkok was also affected by devastating floods across the country. The 2011 disaster lasted nearly three months and killed hundreds of people across Thailand. However, no casualties have been reported in Bangkok in this year's floods so far.

The Thai Meteorological Department said more heavy rain is likely throughout the current week. However, the low-pressure system responsible for the recent heavy rain is expected to move towards central Thailand. All 50 districts of Bangkok have been declared areas under an emergency situation.

An AFP report said Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said on Saturday that the eastern part of the city was the most affected.

He said, "It is still raining and we are trying our best. We are trying to pump the water away, but the canals are full of water... Those living near the canals are most at risk. Every canal is now full of water."