Disaster declared across all Bangkok districts after 300mm rain in two days
Bangkok received about 300mm of rain in two days, causing flooding that killed about 40 people.
Bangkok normally absorbs brief afternoon downpours. This week, rain fell relentlessly for days, transforming entire neighbourhoods into stagnant water.
The capital received about 300mm of rain in roughly two days, equivalent to about half a year of London's average rainfall. The government declared a disaster across all 50 city districts.
About 40 people died in flood-related incidents including drowning and accidental electrocution. Thousands sheltered in more than 230 centres across the city.
Streets became unnavigable waterways. Residents used paddling pools and floating fridges as boats.
The city's drainage canals can handle about 60mm of rain an hour, rising to 80mm in upgraded sections. But localised bursts exceeded these limits and left too little time between periods of stress.
Bangkok's main airport was disrupted. About half of Thai Airways' workforce could not report for work at one point.
Flight cancellations and luggage piled up. Schools closed and much of the city ground to gridlock.
- 300mm
- Rain in two days
- About 40
- Deaths reported
- All 50
- City districts declared disaster
- More than 230
- Emergency shelters opened
Why it mattersIt shows how modern cities can be overwhelmed by extreme rainfall, and how climate experts predict these events will worsen in south-east Asia.
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