Thailand’s flood death toll has risen to at least 23, with Bangkok beginning to clear after days of heavy rain, while severe disruption continued at the capital’s main airport.

At least 23 people have died across Thailand since September 16, including four in Bangkok, according to the Interior Ministry. Flooding has affected 42 provinces and caused an estimated $367 million in damage across 24 provinces.

Bangkok received about 320 millimetres of rain over three days last week, nearly matching the city’s usual rainfall for the entire month of September.

Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said floodwater on major roads was expected to recede within two days, while some other affected areas could take up to a week to recover.

About 5,600 bags remained stranded At Suvarnabhumi Airport / Collected 

At Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s main international gateway, flight operations remained severely disrupted as many airline and ground staff were unable to reach work. According to Reuters, Thai Airways planned to cancel around 30 flights on Tuesday, while about 5,600 bags remained stranded at the airport.

Thai Airways chief executive Chai Eamsiri said most flights had been delayed over the previous two days and the airline would reduce Bangkok operations for at least three days.

The disruption has added pressure on Thailand’s tourism sector, a major source of revenue for the economy. Foreign tourist arrivals fell 3.12 percent year-on-year to 21.28 million between January and September.

The government has approved more than 4 billion baht ($119 million) in emergency flood assistance. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also announced approval for a 160-billion-baht ($4.8 billion) drainage project aimed at improving flood protection in Bangkok and surrounding areas.

 

BOB Post