Thousands of people have moved into evacuation centres in Bangkok as severe flooding caused widespread disruption across Thailand, with nationwide economic losses estimated at more than $320 million.
Large parts of the Thai capital were submerged after around 320 millimetres (12.6 inches) of rain fell over two to three days last week, overwhelming the city’s drainage system.
Bangkok is among 41 provinces affected by flooding since September 16. The floods have killed at least eight people and disrupted more than 580,000 homes, according to Thailand’s Interior Ministry.
More than 80,000 residents in flooded areas remain unable to leave their homes, while authorities have deployed boats and mobile kitchens to provide assistance. Officials said the relief effort aims to ensure affected residents receive three meals a day throughout the flooding and for at least seven days after the waters recede.
At least 5,901 people in Bangkok have been relocated to 234 evacuation centres, according to city authorities.
Economists estimate that the floods could cause at least 11 billion baht ($327 million) in economic losses nationwide. Aat Pisanwanich of Rangsit University said the flooding could reduce Thailand’s economic growth this year by 0.3 percentage points to 2.1%.
The Bangkok and eastern regions are expected to face significant losses, particularly in wholesale and retail businesses, while industrial and agricultural sectors in other areas could also be affected.
The University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce estimated that Bangkok alone could suffer losses of around 7 billion baht, while putting the nationwide economic impact at about 12.3 billion baht.
In Bangkok’s flood-hit Bang Kapi district, residents waded through floodwaters to purchase food and other necessities. Some vendors have moved their stalls to the edges of flooded markets, with several standing in knee-deep water to continue serving customers.
Residents have also reported shortages of food after heavy rainfall disrupted supplies and prevented many people from preparing or moving their belongings in time.
Bangkok, a densely populated city located on a low-lying river delta, sits only about 1.5 metres above sea level and is sinking by several millimetres each year. The capital regularly experiences flooding during Thailand’s long rainy season.
In the eastern coastal province of Rayong, authorities ordered evacuations after two reservoirs reached capacity as floodwaters continued to rise. The area is close to a major industrial belt, raising concerns about further disruption.
Thailand also suffered severe flooding in its southern provinces last year. Those floods killed at least 145 people, affected more than 33,000 homes and damaged key infrastructure, including schools, hospitals and highways.
