Thailand floods: Over 545,000 affected across 25 provinces, Bangkok remains waterlogged

Flooding continued in several low-lying areas of Thailand’s capital Bangkok on Sunday despite a decline in rainfall, leaving more than 3,000 people in temporary shelters and disrupting transport and commercial activity.At least eight people have died nationwide in the past 10 days, while floods have affected more than 545,000 people across 25 provinces, particularly in central and eastern Thailand, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.More than 200 temporary shelters have been set up across Bangkok, with over 3,000 people still staying there as of Sunday. Officials said 31 routes remained affected by flooding.Days of continuous rain, with cumulative rainfall reaching 30 centimetres in some areas, have caused extensive flooding in the capital. Several low-lying neighbourhoods, particularly in suburban areas, remained inundated, forcing residents to evacuate.Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said rainfall had eased and municipal authorities were working to drain water from affected areas. However, he warned that water levels in the city’s main canals remained high, with some continuing to rise as water flowed in from surrounding areas.Thailand’s Meteorological Department forecast improving conditions from Monday, although moderate to heavy rain was still expected in several parts of the country on Sunday.Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said excessive rainfall had caused flooding in areas where water levels exceeded drainage capacity. He directed relevant authorities to respond quickly, ease the situation and provide assistance to those affected.Long-distance bus and rail services were suspended on several routes. Airports remained operational, although passengers experienced minor delays.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.