**Disaster Zone Declared in Bangkok Amid Heavy Rain and Flooding**
Bangkok, Thailand – Authorities in Bangkok have declared a disaster zone across all 50 districts of the capital following three consecutive days of heavy rainfall that has resulted in significant flooding. The declaration, made on September 26, 2026, allows local organizations to take necessary actions to manage the crisis.
Governor Chadchart Sittipunt reported that nearly 300 millimeters (11.8 inches) of rain had fallen since Thursday afternoon, leading to widespread inundation of roads, canals, and residential areas. Major thoroughfares were submerged, with numerous vehicles abandoned as drivers found it impossible to navigate through the rising waters.
The eastern parts of the city have been particularly affected, with reports indicating that many homes and businesses have experienced flooding. Governor Chadchart noted that the continuous rain was expected to persist, raising concerns about further flooding. He assured residents that city officials were working diligently to drain the floodwaters but acknowledged the challenges posed by full canals.
“The rain keeps falling and we are doing our best. We are trying to pump the water out, but the water in canals are full,” he stated via social media. He emphasized that areas near canals were at the highest risk, as all canals in the city were currently filled to capacity.
As the situation evolved, the government announced that the flooding had "stabilized" but warned that it could take two to three days for the water to recede, provided no additional rainfall occurred. Governor Chadchart mentioned that the flooding would likely improve once the rain stopped.
In response to the flooding, the Bangkok public transport authority has offered free access to MRT train "park and ride" facilities, allowing residents to move their vehicles to higher ground until October 2. This initiative aims to help mitigate the impact of the flooding on personal transportation.
Local residents have expressed their concerns and frustrations. Somkid Pheuk-ngam, a 67-year-old vendor living near a canal in central Bangkok, reported that she had to close her shop due to the rising waters. “The water keeps coming in. It’s hard to go out now. It’s at my waist level,” she said, adding that the current flooding situation was worse than the catastrophic floods of 2011, which resulted in over 500 fatalities and extensive damage across the country.
Al Jazeera correspondent Tony Cheng highlighted that while Bangkok typically experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, the current situation is unprecedented. “What usually happens is we get heavy downpours for a couple of hours, then you’ll see the street often flooded but it would flow away into the drains quickly,” he explained. “This is persistent heavy rain since Thursday evening, and it shows no sign of letting up.”
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has issued warnings for low pressure across eastern, northeastern, and central Thailand, indicating a risk of flash floods, mudslides, and river overflow. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they prepare for potential further impacts from the ongoing weather conditions.
As residents of Bangkok cope with the aftermath of the heavy rains, local organizations and government officials are mobilizing resources to assist those affected by the flooding, ensuring that necessary support is provided during this challenging time.