Thousands huddle in Bangkok shelters as Thai flood damages seen at $320 mln
Thousands of residents remain displaced in evacuation centres across Bangkok following severe flooding triggered by a massive 48-hour downpour. The capital and 40 other provinces across Thailand have been hit by floods since Sept 16, affecting 700,000 people. Although rain has begun to ease and floodwaters are starting to recede, entire neighbourhoods remain inundated, forcing shoppers to wade waist-deep or use kayaks. Total flood damages are estimated at $320 million, prompting disaster declarations and a two-day civil service holiday.
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- ✓ Thailand declared Bangkok a disaster zone following widespread flooding.
- ✓ Thousands of people sheltered in evacuation centres in the Thai capital.
- ✓ Floods have affected 700,000 people across Thailand.
- ✓ Total flood damages are estimated at $320 million.
What changed
Downpours have begun to ease in Bangkok and shifted north-westwards, though persistent flooding continues to force thousands to remain away from their homes.
Live updates
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Thousands in Bangkok Shelters as Flood Damages Hit $320 Million
Thousands of residents remain displaced in evacuation centres across Bangkok following severe flooding triggered by a massive 48-hour downpour. The capital and 40 other provinces across Thailand have been hit by floods since Sept 16, affecting 700,000 people. Although rain has begun to ease and floodwaters are starting to recede, entire neighbourhoods remain inundated, forcing shoppers to wade waist-deep or use kayaks. Total flood damages are estimated at $320 million, prompting disaster declarations and a two-day civil service holiday.
Why it matters
The disaster began after 320 mm or 12.6 inches of rain fell over two to three days last week, nearly matching what the sprawling low-lying city usually receives in an entire month. The deluge swamped the urban drainage network and forced swelling reservoirs in an eastern province to issue evacuation orders. The widespread disruption also caused the Thai government to declare a two-day civil service holiday, which could potentially affect court rulings.
What is confirmed
- Thailand declared Bangkok a disaster zone following widespread flooding.
- Thousands of people sheltered in evacuation centres in the Thai capital.
- Floods have affected 700,000 people across Thailand.
- Total flood damages are estimated at $320 million.
- Bangkok is among 41 provinces across Thailand hit by floods since Sept 16.
- A total of 320 mm or 12.6 inches of rain fell during two or three days last week.
- Thailand declared a two-day civil service holiday amid the floods.
Still unconfirmed
- The two-day civil service holiday could affect court rulings.
What to watch next
- Progression of floodwaters shifting north-westwards away from Bangkok
- Impact of the civil service holiday on pending court rulings
- Official updates on relief and return efforts for displaced residents in shelters
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (12)
- dw.com — Thailand: Bangkok flooding triggers disaster declaration
- CNN — Thai capital Bangkok declared disaster zone amid widespread flooding
- France 24 — Bangkok declares flood disaster after massive 48-hour downpour
- reuters.com — Thailand declares two-day civil service holiday amid floods, could affect court ruling
- AP News — Rain eases in Bangkok but persistent flooding forces thousands to leave home
- Reuters — Thousands huddle in Bangkok shelters as Thai flood damages seen at $320 mln
- The Guardian — Thai downpours shift north-westwards after Bangkok declared a disaster zone
- Yahoo — In kayaks or waist-deep in floodwater, shoppers return to Bangkok markets
- apnews.com — Bangkok floodwaters begin to ease after torrential rains affect 700,000 people
- www.straitstimes.com — Thousands huddle in Bangkok shelters as Thai flood damages ...
- www.tbsnews.net — Thousands huddle in Bangkok shelters as Thai flood damages ...
- article.wn.com — Thousands huddle in Bangkok shelters as Thai flood damages ...
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