Bangkok rain hits 210mm in 24 hours as canals turn critical
Bangkok residents near canals and in low-lying areas have been urged to move valuables to higher ground after rainfall reached 210mm in 24 hours
- Bangkok received up to 210mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period, with five separate monitoring stations recording over 200mm.
- The intense downpour caused canal water levels to reach a critical state, prompting official warnings that they were likely to rise further.
- Widespread flooding disrupted roads and residential areas, with authorities urging residents in low-lying and canal-side areas to move belongings to higher ground.
- Drainage crews operated water pumps at full capacity to clear floodwater from major roads affected by the heavy rain.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) urged Bangkok residents living beside canals and in low-lying areas to move belongings to higher ground on Saturday (September 26), after rainfall reached 210 millimetres in 24 hours and canal levels became critical.
In an alert issued at 9.22am, the DDPM warned that canal water levels were critical and likely to rise further.
Flooding disrupted roads and residential areas across the capital. A 10.12am update credited to @shef1412 reported flooding across Sri Ayutthaya Road, with water covering pavements and vehicles able to use only the central lane.
Photographs credited to Areena Munlin and JS100 Radio in a 9am update showed deep flooding around parked cars at Khlong Chan flats in Soi Seri Thai 5, Bang Kapi district, with vehicles partly submerged.
Five rainfall stations record more than 200mm
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s (BMA) Department of Drainage and Sewerage reported heavy to very heavy rain across the capital. Its rainfall map covered the 24 hours from 7am on September 25 to 7am on September 26.
The five highest readings were:
Monitoring location District Rainfall
Thetsaban Songkhro Chatuchak 210.0mm
Khlong Chao Khun Sing station Wang Thonglang 205.5mm
Saphan Sung district office Saphan Sung 203.5mm
Phaya Thai district office Phaya Thai 203.0mm
Government Complex–Chaeng Watthana Road Lak Si 201.0mm
The accumulated rainfall rapidly filled water retention areas and exceeded drainage capacity, leaving widespread standing water in commercial neighbourhoods and densely populated communities.
Canal-side households urged to move valuables
The DDPM advised residents beside canals and in low-lying areas to immediately move belongings, electrical appliances and valuables to higher ground to reduce damage from water overflowing canal banks.
Motorists were urged to avoid roads with deep standing water and plan their journeys in advance, with severe congestion affecting several locations.
Residents needing urgent assistance were advised to contact their local district office or the DDPM’s 24-hour hotline.
Drainage crews operate pumps at full capacity
Department of Drainage and Sewerage staff and rapid-response teams were operating pumps at full capacity to remove floodwater from major roads.
The official road-flooding report linked in the source coverage lists 66 locations. That report is dated September 25 and includes entries showing that water had cleared, so the total should not be read as 66 locations still flooded on September 26.
Motorists should check current road conditions before setting out.
Flood reporting and emergency assistance
Residents can report flooding or request assistance through the following channels:
Bangkok Flood Control Centre: 02 248 5115
Bangkok hotline: 1555
Traffy Fondue on LINE: @Traffyfondue
Bangkok Flood Prevention Centre on Facebook
Emergency medical assistance, including patient transfers requiring medical support: 1669
For those who wish to help our fellow citizens suffering and affected by the floods, you can make a donation through the following accounts: Nation Foundation Bank of Ayudhya (Krungsri): Account No. 333-0-01399-6 Kasikorn Bank: Account No. 192-3-59782-0 "We will get through this crisis together."
