Thailand’s Bangkok declares flood disaster across city as thousands flee from homes

Bangkok has declared a flood disaster across all 50 districts following severe rainfall that overwhelmed the city. Entire neighborhoods were inundated on Saturday, with roads and cars submerged, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. The city's drainage system is struggling to cope with waters that have reached at least two feet and are still rising, exacerbated by over 48 hours of continuous rain. While Bangkok is prone to flooding during monsoon season, this event is described as unusually severe, with waters accumulating and not draining effectively. City Hall had initially downplayed the potential for major floods, leading some neighborhoods to be caught off guard by the intensity of the storm.

Bangkok has been declared a disaster zone across all 50 districts following three consecutive days of heavy rainfall. Since Thursday, nearly 300mm of rain has caused widespread flooding, submerging roads and canals and inundating homes and businesses. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt stated that the eastern part of the city is most affected and warned of further rain. While authorities are working to drain the floodwaters, the situation was reported to have stabilized on Saturday, with drainage expected to take two to three days if no more rain falls. Residents were advised to move vehicles to higher ground, and public transport offered free parking.

Bangkok has declared a flood emergency disaster following 48 hours of heavy rainfall. The deluge has submerged roads across the Thai capital, overwhelming the city's drainage system and causing significant traffic disruption. Residents have been advised to stay home, and those near canals are urged to move belongings to higher floors. The extreme weather, which is expected to persist into Sunday, has caused some canals to burst their banks, leading to waist-deep water in affected areas and forcing businesses to close. This flooding is reportedly worse than the nationwide floods experienced in 2011.

New Zealand declared a state of emergency in Wellington after record rainfall caused severe flash flooding on Monday. The deluge, with Wellington receiving 77mm of rain in under an hour, submerged vehicles, uprooted trees, and triggered landslides. Residents were advised to stay home as more rain is expected. Flights were cancelled at Wellington Airport and schools were closed. Over a dozen people have been evacuated and one person is missing. The flooding follows Cyclone Vaianu which hit the North Island last weekend. Authorities attribute the increased frequency and intensity of such events to climate change.