Parts of Bangkok still flooded after record downpours

Bangkok and surrounding areas are reeling from days of record rainfall and widespread flooding. The government declared Monday and Tuesday special public holidays to minimize disruption.

Some communities and roads in the capital remained inundated on Monday following major flooding over the weekend. Bangkok's city government says the downpours show signs of easing, and it is working to drain floodwaters by lowering water levels in main canals. Roads are gradually reopening, though caution is still needed in some areas. Officials say about 700,000 people have been affected, with thousands moving to evacuation centers. Food and drinking water are in short supply at some stores as shipping has been disrupted. Officials say there have been no confirmed drowning deaths from the flooding, but several people were electrocuted. About 300 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in the 48 hours through Saturday afternoon. That's around the average for a month. Bangkok sits on low-lying ground along the Chao Phraya River and has seen deluges in the past. But locals are shocked by how quickly the latest flooding occurred.