Bangkok under water as heavy rain disrupts life, more storms forecast

Torrential rain battered Bangkok on Saturday, flooding major roads, disrupting traffic and forcing hundreds of residents into shelters as authorities declared Thailand’s capital a disaster-affected zone.The deluge, which began on Thursday afternoon, left parts of the city under water, with some roads becoming impassable and vehicles partially submerged. Nearly 300 mm (12 inches) of rain fell in Bangkok within 48 hours, according to officials, Reuters reported.Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned that heavy rain and thunderstorms would continue across much of the country through Sunday, citing a strong low-pressure system over the central region and strengthening southwest monsoon conditions.Bangkok declares disaster zoneBangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said the flooding posed a risk to lives and could damage public and private property, with areas near canals among the worst affected.Chadchart said floodwaters should recede once the rain subsides and that city officials were working to drain the water as quickly as possible.More than 200…