Thai capital Bangkok declared disaster zone amid widespread flooding

Bangkok’s governor on Saturday declared Thailand’s capital city a disaster-affected zone after torrential rain led to widespread flooding, while the weather agency forecast thunderstorms ​over the weekend. Major roads were flooded with cars partly submerged and ​people were forced to wade through waist-height water after nearly ⁠300mm (12 inches) of rain fell within 48 hours. Bangkok Governor Chadchart ​Sittipunt said the crisis “poses a risk to people’s lives” and could damage ​public and private property, and that the situation was most severe near canals. The army said it is setting up shelters and field kitchens among other disaster relief efforts, ​while the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has designated schools as temporary accommodation ​and asked residents to avoid unnecessary travel.