Bangkok declares citywide emergency over severe flooding

Thailand's capital, Bangkok, has declared an emergency across all 50 districts as torrential rain triggers severe flooding, inundating roads and forcing water into homes and businesses, with AFP reporting nearly 300 millimetres of rain falling across the city between Thursday and Saturday.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the eastern parts of the city were worst affected, with further rainfall forecast. Meanwhile, authorities have been pumping out water, although canals are already near capacity, while residents in canal-side areas have been urged to move vehicles to higher ground.

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The prolonged downpour has submerged roads and overflowed canals, disrupting businesses and daily life. Moreover, authorities have advised bedridden patients dependent on life-saving treatment to relocate temporarily to hospitals. The emergency declaration gives local agencies greater legal authority to respond swiftly to the crisis.