Bangkok Community Submerged Five Days, Residents Wade for Aid
A Bangkok public housing community in Lad Krabang remains submerged under 1.3 meters of floodwater five days after flooding began, with residents wading kilometers for food and supplies as government relief efforts prove inadequate.
The Kheha Rom Klao public housing community in Lad Krabang district remains submerged under 1.3 meters of floodwater five days after inundation began, with water levels reaching residents' neck height. The floods have affected the entire community, including parks, schools, and health centers, while floating debris and oil slicks from submerged vehicles contaminate the water and create foul odors. Most areas show water levels beginning to recede slightly by 4-5 centimeters.
Residents have improvised flotation devices from water containers, baskets, foam boxes, and cement drums to wade 2-3 kilometers to distribution points for food and supplies. One 34-year-old resident with her 10-year-old son decided to rent shelter in the Silom area after three days of flooding with no sign of water receding. She noted that the mayor's recent visit brought no assistance, not even rice, and expressed shock at the infrastructure's vulnerability, describing hardships from loss of water, power, and sanitation that forced the family to relocate.
Other residents still sheltering in place have lost hope for government help and depend largely on private citizens and nonprofit volunteers for food and water. One volunteer, a 53-year-old resident, walks through floodwaters daily to collect and distribute food, though he acknowledges tension when supply runs short. Residents credited power company officials with preventing electrical hazards and maintaining electricity service. Overall, the community reported inadequate official rescue and relief operations, with residents forced to ferry themselves and supplies using the community's own boats, while rescue and military personnel remained present but help remained insufficient.
