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A flood emergency disaster has been declared across Bangkok after heavy rain left roads submerged.
Several areas of Thailand's capital city were flooded by continuous rain from Thursday afternoon to Saturday morning that has disrupted traffic and forced some residents to evacuate.
Major canals in Bangkok filled with accumulated rainfall have exceeded 20 centimetres (7.8 inches), officials said on Saturday, September 26.
Floodwaters spread across the city, particularly in the central and eastern parts, have blocked roads and stopped traffic.
Thailand's Meteorological Department warned the heavy rain would continue in most parts of the country through Sunday, citing a strong low-pressure system over the central region and strengthening southwest monsoon conditions.
More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces nationwide were affected by flooding as of Saturday, especially in the central region.
Authorities sent emergency warning messages through the cell-broadcast system to people in affected areas, the government said.
Bangkok was hit by downpours much of Friday, and heavy rain persisted into Saturday, with all 50 districts of the capital being declared emergency zones.
Photos and videos showed major roads submerged and cars abandoned after drivers were unable to move through the rising water.
According to Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, heavy rain was expected through Saturday but flooding should recede once the rain subsides as city officials work to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible.
Several shelters were set up to accommodate residents forced to evacuate, while some government facilities were opened to provide vehicle parking, officials said.
