Bangkok at breaking point as floods turn streets into stagnant lakes
With 40 dead and a disaster declared across all 50 city districts, experts warn extreme flooding will only worsen across south-east Asia
TL;DR
- Bangkok is experiencing severe flooding, transforming streets into stagnant lakes due to extreme rainfall.
- Approximately 40 people have died in flood-related incidents, with thousands taking shelter.
- The city's drainage system, compromised by concrete construction, is overwhelmed by the rainfall intensity.
- The flooding has disrupted transportation, including Suvarnabhumi airport, and caused school closures.
- Experts link the extreme rainfall to climate change and predict a worsening trend in Southeast Asia.
- An unusually strong El Niño may also be contributing to the extreme weather conditions.
- Residents are facing difficult conditions, with some using makeshift flotation devices to navigate submerged areas.
- Authorities have declared a flood disaster across all 50 city districts and are monitoring the situation, with more rain forecast.
- Neighboring Myanmar is also suffering from similar weather systems, with landslides and floods complicating rescue efforts.