Record-breaking Rainfall Brings Floods to Several Areas in Bangkok

Residents in the Khlong Tei and Bang Na districts of Bangkok experienced torrential rainfall Wednesday night, July 20, as per a report by Thai PBS World on July 21.

According to the Meteorological Department’s weather forecasting centre head Somkuan Tonjan, the city had a record-breaking downpour of 132.5 millimetres (mm) of rain measured at the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre in Khlong Toei district. The highest record prior this was 108mm recorded on July 30, 1955. Bang Na, on the other hand, registered 126mm rainfall.

Meanwhile, Min Buri district recorded 165mm of rainfall the entire day of Wednesday. Low-lying areas including On Nut 71 and 39 were submerged in flood on Thursday afternoon. Bangkok police also controlled traffic congestion in Wattana district, while city workers removed some drain covers so water would flow from the roads.

The boat services on Saen Saeb canal were suspended yesterday due to rising water levels, imposing a high-risk hazard to cross the bridge at Wat Sriboonruang. Classes were also suspended yesterday at Ramkhamhaeng and Bang Na campuses, the Ramkhamhaeng University’s public relations office announced.

As heavy rains are expected to continue, Deputy Governor of Bangkok Wisanu Sapsomphon sought to coordinate with several agencies such as the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Public Works Office, and 50 district offices to enforce community guidelines and assistance to those affected by the flooding.