CONTINUOUS RAIN FLOODS BANGKOK, DISRUPTS TRAFFIC ACROSS CITY

Continuous rain from Thursday afternoon to Saturday morning flooded several areas of Bangkok, disrupting traffic and forcing some residents to evacuate, officials said. Major canals in the Thai capital filled with accumulated rainfall exceeding 20 centimetres, according to officials speaking on Saturday. Floodwaters spread across central and eastern parts of the city, blocking roads and halting traffic. Photographs and video footage showed major roads submerged and cars abandoned after drivers were unable to move through rising water. Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said heavy rain was expected to continue through Saturday.

Thailand's Meteorological Department warned that heavy rain would persist across most of the country through Sunday, attributing the conditions to a strong low-pressure system over the central region combined with strengthening southwest monsoon activity. The government said more than 84,000 people across 21 provinces had been affected by flooding nationwide as of Saturday, with the central region worst hit. Authorities sent emergency warning messages to residents in affected areas through the national cell-broadcast system, according to the government. Bangkok endured downpours through much of Friday, with heavy rain continuing into Saturday.

Governor Chadchart said flooding should recede once the rain eases, with city officials working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible. Officials said several shelters had been set up to accommodate evacuated residents. Some government facilities were also opened to provide parking for vehicles affected by the flooding, officials added. No timeline was given for when normal traffic conditions would resume across the city.