Floodwaters in Thailand’s capital Bangkok began to recede Monday after days of torrential rain, but several neighborhoods and major roads remained inundated as authorities stepped up drainage and relief operations.

Rain continued intermittently across the capital, although officials said conditions had improved enough to accelerate efforts to remove floodwater. Water levels in four major canals had risen sharply over the weekend, limiting their ability to absorb runoff from surrounding communities.

The flooding affected about 329,000 households, or roughly 700,000 people, in Bangkok, according to the Bangkok Flood Control Center. At least 19 people have died in floods across 23 provinces, while 49 healthcare facilities have been affected, according to Thailand’s Health Ministry. Most of the reported deaths were attributed to drowning or electrocution.

Eastern Bangkok among hardest-hit areas

Eastern districts of Bangkok have been particularly badly affected, with Lat Krabang, Bang Kapi, Khan Na Yao, Sai Mai, Suan Luang, Saphan Sung and Lak Si among the hardest-hit areas.

In Bang Kapi, water remained around knee-deep near a train station and shopping mall on Monday. Residents and shoppers were seen wading through flooded streets, while some used small boats to travel between the mall and the station.

Overnight rainfall reached about 62 millimeters in Nong Chok, 55 mm in Lat Krabang and 52 mm in Min Buri, according to figures cited by Reuters. Some major roads have become more passable as water levels decline, although flooding persists in several locations.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared a flood emergency across all 50 districts on Saturday. Authorities have prioritized assistance for vulnerable residents, including elderly people and people with disabilities, while nearly 7,000 residents were reported to be staying in shelters.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has also moved around 1,500 bedridden patients to city hospitals and is responding to requests for assistance. Relief teams are seeking supplies including drinking water, ready-to-eat meals, boats, high-clearance vehicles and mobile kitchens.

Government declares special holiday

Thailand’s government declared a two-day special holiday in Bangkok and the neighboring provinces of Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan in response to the flooding.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited a heavily flooded housing estate in Bang Kapi on Sunday night and helped distribute relief supplies to affected residents.

The flooding has also disrupted businesses, transportation and supply chains. The Thai Air Force deployed 69 personnel to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport to help clear a backlog of passenger luggage after flooding prevented some airport workers from reaching their jobs.

More rain forecast

Although rainfall has eased in Bangkok as a low-pressure system moves away, further monsoon showers remain possible, particularly in eastern parts of the capital. More rain is also forecast across other parts of Thailand.

Neighboring Cambodia and Myanmar have likewise been experiencing severe weather, adding to concerns over further flooding and disruption across mainland Southeast Asia.

Authorities are continuing to lower water levels in major canals, including Prawet Burirom and Lat Phrao, in an effort to drain flooded roads and residential areas and prevent further accumulation of water. (ILKHA)