Bangkok authorities declared three districts disaster areas following severe flooding

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt signed order defining three districts in city as disaster areas following hours of heavy rain, and authorities sent residents emergency alert in which stated that water level in canals reached critical level and continues rising.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt signed order defining Nong Chok, Suan Luang and Khanna Yao as areas damaged by disaster, step enabling authorities to fully operate relief and emergency mechanisms. City administration instructed all 50 district offices in Bangkok to prepare for resident assistance, open temporary shelters and accelerate water pumping.

Authorities sent emergency alert to residents' phones this morning, Saturday, stating that water level in canals reached critical level and continues rising. According to report, Thailand's Disaster Prevention Division called in alert sent at 9:22 a.m. to residents living in low-lying areas and near canals to move objects and property to high places and avoid travel as much as possible.

According to government data, as of morning hours, 44 flooding points remain on Bangkok streets, and since start of flooding wave, 22 districts affected in capital with 66 flooding points recorded. Throughout all Thailand, 21 districts dealing with floods, affecting more than 84,000 people. According to authorities, on several main streets, including sections on Sukhumvit, Vibhavadi, Ramkamhaeng and Lat Krabang roads, water level too high to allow passage of small vehicles.

According to Thai PBS network, in some areas, water entered parts of homes and in some cases, elderly and hospital patients confined to beds evacuated, and residents expressed concern that condition will approach severity of major 2011 floods. Thai Meteorological Service warned that today and tomorrow heavy to very heavy rains forecast in Bangkok and extensive areas in Thailand, and authorities warned against flash floods, stream overflow and landslides.