Thailand flood death toll rises to 31 as Bangkok flooding eases
In short
Thailand's disaster prevention authorities said 31 people have died in flooding that has affected the country since September 16. As of October 4, Bangkok and 27 provinces were still flooded, with about 1.171 million households and 3.263 million people affected, according to the disaster prevention department. Officials said water levels were easing in some areas but more heavy rain is forecast in the coming days.
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The death toll from Thailand's flooding has risen to 31, according to figures reported on October 5. Jiemian, citing CCTV News, reported the figure from the disaster prevention department, while China News Service cited the Interior Ministry for the same toll. State broadcaster-linked reports say the deaths occurred since September 16, when Thailand began experiencing multiple rounds of heavy rain that triggered widespread flooding. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
As of 06:00 on October 4, Bangkok and 27 provinces were still affected, the disaster prevention department said, with about 1.171 million households and 3.263 million people hit. The government has been carrying out drainage of standing water, road clearing and assistance to affected residents, and 65 provinces along with Bangkok's 50 districts have opened registration for flood relief information through a mobile application. [ 1 ]
Prime Minister Anutin asked relevant agencies to strengthen disaster prevention and mitigation work, to ensure shelters are clean, safe and usable, and to arrange emergency supplies and rescue personnel in order to reduce the impact on lives and property, China News Service reported. The government has told agencies to improve monitoring and early warning and to release information to the public in time. [ 1 ]
Weather authorities expect stronger rain in Thailand's north, northeast and central regions in the near term, with heavy to very heavy rain possible in some areas. Residents, especially those along rivers, in low-lying areas and in places prone to flash floods and mudslides, were told to prepare. [ 1 ]
The Interior Ministry said on October 5 that water conditions in some parts of the country had begun to ease, but that relatively strong rain was still expected in the coming days and that agencies were stepping up flood control and drainage work. Xinhua's headline likewise said flooding in Bangkok had eased somewhat. Jiemian recalled that the Bangkok city government warned on September 29 that river levels in the capital could rise further because of increased upstream water, and that communities along the river and outside flood barriers should watch the levels closely. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The floods have affected millions of people across Thailand and prompted a nationwide relief and registration effort, with Bangkok among the areas hit. Authorities say the water situation is easing in some places, but continued heavy rain could extend the disruption and the relief operation.
Key facts
- Thailand's flood death toll has risen to 31, according to figures reported on October 5. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- The flooding has affected Thailand since September 16, when multiple rounds of heavy rain began. [ 2 , 4 ]
- As of 06:00 on October 4, Bangkok and 27 provinces were still affected, with about 1.171 million households and 3.263 million people hit, the disaster prevention department said. [ 1 ]
- Sixty-five provinces and Bangkok's 50 districts have opened mobile application registration for flood relief information. [ 1 ]
- Prime Minister Anutin asked agencies to strengthen disaster prevention work, keep shelters clean, safe and usable, and prepare emergency supplies and rescue teams. [ 1 ]
- The Interior Ministry said water levels were starting to ease in some areas but strong rain was still expected in the coming days. [ 4 ]
- The Bangkok city government warned on September 29 that river levels could rise further because of increased upstream water. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Thirty-one people have died in the floods, a figure reported on October 5 by both the disaster prevention department and the Interior Ministry and carried by multiple outlets. [ 2 , 3 , 4 ]
- Thailand has experienced repeated heavy rain and widespread flooding since September 16. [ 2 , 4 ]
- Thai authorities have been carrying out drainage, road clearing and relief work for affected residents. [ 1 , 4 ]
Still unclear
- Whether the death toll will continue to rise. The documents give the current toll and say heavy rain is forecast, but do not state whether further deaths are expected.
- Why 27 provinces were reported as affected on October 4 while the relief registration app was open in 65 provinces. Both figures appear in the same document, which does not explain the difference.
- The extent of the easing in Bangkok's water levels. One outlet's headline says Bangkok's flooding has eased somewhat, but no details or figures are given in the available summary.
- Damage costs, the circumstances of the deaths and the number of people displaced. None of the documents provide these details.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- As of this time on October 4, Bangkok and 27 provinces were still affected by flooding, with about 1.171 million households and 3.263 million people hit, according to the disaster prevention department. [ 1 ]
- China News Service reports that the Thai government is stepping up relief work, with 65 provinces and Bangkok's 50 districts having opened mobile app registration for flood assistance. [ 1 ]
- Jiemian reports that the death toll from the floods has risen to 31, citing the disaster prevention department. [ 2 ]
- Xinhua reports the death toll at 31 and says flooding in Bangkok has eased somewhat. [ 3 ]
- China News Service reports, citing the Interior Ministry, that 31 people have died since September 16 and that water levels are easing in some areas while heavy rain is still expected. [ 4 ]