Bangkok under water: emergency teams fight against the tidal wave!

Bangkok under water: emergency teams fight against the tidal wave!

In Bangkok, authorities are currently battling the devastating effects of extreme rainfall that has plagued the city since November 3, 2025. Roads have turned into shallow canals, while major arteries such as Chaeng Watthana Road are nearly impassable. More and more cars are getting stuck and citizens are relying on the quick response of emergency teams who are working around the clock to set up pumps and redirect traffic. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) says a weakened high pressure system brought a trough of low pressure over the city, causing hours of downpours. A whopping 131.5mm of rainfall was recorded in Lak Si, while other areas such as Bang Na, Phra Khanong and Khlong Toei also recorded over 100mm.

The associated challenges cannot be overlooked. The city's drainage system, which includes a network of tunnels, canals and pumping stations, is reaching its limits. The amount of rain in some parts of the city exceeded the capacity of 60 mm, which severely affected the efficiency of the system. Critical infrastructure, such as hundreds of pumping stations and large underground pipelines, requires constant maintenance. Those responsible rely on a combination of classic and innovative techniques:

Modern flood management

The development of a data-driven flood forecasting system is a key part of the strategy to improve flood management in the capital. A novel system called Smart Water combines various data sources and enables the seamlessness of real-time data. With forecasts updated every ten minutes, processing over 20 billion data points daily, decision makers can proactively respond to storm surge events. This model, which uses machine learning, is considered groundbreaking and could serve as a blueprint for other cities around the world. Mott MacDonald highlights that both the forecasts and the graphical user interface enable those responsible to better manage flood risks.

In the past, Bangkok has made significant efforts to minimize flood risk. Large retention tunnels were built that channel water more efficiently from inner-city areas into the Chao Phraya River. However, given changing climatic conditions, it is crucial to pursue long-term strategies. The planned measures include the replacement of outdated pumps and the construction of new retention ponds, while at the same time intensifying cooperation with neighboring provinces. The city is aiming to become more climate resilient and improve its preparedness for extreme weather events, according to [Travel and Tour World].

Global perspectives

Looking beyond Bangkok's borders shows that climate change is affecting cities worldwide. Cities such as Kochi in India and Saltillo in Mexico are experiencing similar challenges, where innovative water management projects are needed. The “Morgenstadt Global Smart Cities Initiative” project, which is funded by the International Climate Protection Initiative, among others, shows how research and practical solutions can be combined to advance urban development and specifically combat flooding. Fraunhofer IGB describes the three steps of the project: analysis, joint development of ideas and implementation of the solutions. This principle could also help in Bangkok to better deal with many of the current challenges.

The current weather conditions make it clear that a good hand in strategic planning is essential. The city and its citizens hope that the innovations and the tireless efforts of the emergency teams will soon have an effect and that the floods can be managed.