Flooding in Thailand affects 42 provinces, leaves eight dead

Widespread flooding that has continued across Thailand since Sept. 16 has affected a large part of the country. Authorities report fatalities and millions of people affected, while the threat of further heavy rainfall remains in several regions as conditions in Bangkok gradually improve.

According to Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, flooding swept through 42 provinces between Sept. 16 and 28, affecting around 1.8 million people. Eight people had died as of Monday.

Twenty-eight provinces, including Bangkok, remain affected, with the central, northern, eastern and northeastern regions among the hardest-hit areas. On Saturday, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt declared the entire capital a flood-hit zone after nearly 48 hours of continuous rainfall caused widespread inundation and severe traffic disruptions.

Thailand's Meteorological Department said Monday that rainfall in Bangkok and surrounding areas had eased. Chadchart said the overall flood situation in the capital had improved, with standing water retreating significantly in downtown areas.

However, serious flooding continues in outlying districts. Chadchart said it could take two to three weeks for floodwaters to fully recede in some areas. He also confirmed that no flood-related deaths had been reported in Bangkok itself.

The Thai cabinet designated Monday and Tuesday as public holidays in Bangkok and three adjacent provinces. Government offices and schools suspended operations to help ease disruptions caused by the flooding.

The Meteorological Department forecasts isolated heavy to torrential rain will continue in parts of northern, central and eastern Thailand on Monday.

As reported by CCTV+, flooding in Thailand since Sept. 16 has affected 42 provinces and around 1.8 million people, with eight people reported dead.