Several areas of the Thai capital Bangkok have been inundated by continuous rain from Thursday afternoon to Saturday morning, disrupting traffic and forcing some residents to evacuate as authorities declared the city a disaster area.
Thailand’s meteorological department warned that the deluge, which has been pouring since Thursday afternoon, would continue in most parts of the country throughout Sunday.
Major canals in Bangkok filled with accumulated rainfall exceeding 11.8in, officials said.
Floodwaters spread across the city, particularly in the central and eastern parts, blocking roads and stopping traffic.
While not all parts of Bangkok were submerged, the city declared all of its 50 districts a flood disaster area to allow authorities to respond rapidly to the crisis.
Authorities warned the heavy rain would continue in most parts of the country through until Sunday, citing a strong low-pressure system over the central region and strengthening south-west monsoon conditions.
More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces nationwide were affected by flooding as of Saturday, especially in the central region.
Authorities sent emergency warning messages through the cell-broadcast system to people in affected areas, the government said.
Bangkok was hit by downpours much of Friday and heavy rain persisted into Saturday. Photos and videos showed major roads submerged and cars abandoned after drivers were unable to move through the rising water.
Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt said heavy rain was expected through until Saturday but flooding should recede once the rain subsides as city officials work to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.
Several shelters were set up to accommodate residents forced to evacuate, while some government facilities were opened to provide vehicle parking, officials said.
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