A combination of problems, from a power outage to the lack of maintenance of public drainage pipes under private property, contributed to widespread flooding in Bangkok on Wednesday evening, City Hall said.

Many city residents complained about flash floods which caused traffic jams in several areas of Bangkok, prompting the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to explain the problem.

Heavy downpours hit 11 areas in the city with Din Daeng, Phaya Thai and Huai Khwang districts recording the highest rainfall at 100 millimetres, 99mm and 83mm respectively. It took more than two hours to drain floodwater in Din Daeng and Chatuchak districts.


The floods occurred despite an underground tunnel having been built in Makkasan to divert floodwater from Din Daeng, Huai Khwang and Ratchathewi districts. The Bang Sue water tunnel is also there to help with water drainage but the floods continued.

   

Water pumps were put to work in smaller sois and streets, the BMA said, noting the rain fell over short periods but in large amounts.

The BMA added the city's drainage operation was hampered by a power outage which shut off four major  pumps. Metropolitan Waterworks Authority technicians were called to restore power.

The Meteorological Department said it rained heavily in many parts of the country from Wednesday night to Thursday morning.