Bangkok streets flood after torrential rain

October 15, 2017 | 09:42
(0) user say
BANGKOK: Bangkok residents woke up to knee-deep water in the city after storms poured down overnight.
A man helps push a dead motorcycle taxi on a flooded street in Bangkok on Oct 14, 2017. (Photo: AFP / Roberto Schmidt)

At least 55 major roads were flooded but most had dried up by the late afternoon, Bangkok Post said.

Bangkok authorities urged those with no urgent business to stay home as many roads are still inundated, Thailand's The Nation newspaper reported.

Affected areas included Din Daeng, Ekamai and parts of Sukhumvit Road, as well as tourist areas such as Chatuchak and the Wat Pho, Khaosod.com said.

Photos showed cars ploughing through water that reached up to their windscreens and vehicles waiting to cross "rivers" that had sprung up overnight on roads.

Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang apologised in the afternoon but said officials had done everything they could, Bangkok Post said.

“I don’t deny responsibility but the rain exceeded 200mm," he said, adding that the last time that happened was about 25 years ago.

Rainfall reached 203mm, with Phra Nakhon district receiving the heaviest rain, The Nation said. The hashtag #flood was trending on social media.

AFP

What the stars mean:

★ Poor ★ ★ Promising ★★★ Good ★★★★ Very good ★★★★★ Exceptional