Ambassador: No Maldivians affected in Bangkok floods

No Maldivians were affected in the relentless rains that triggered widespread flooding in Bangkok, says Fuad Thaufeeq, the Maldivian ambassador to Thailand.

Fuad told Sun on Sunday morning that there were currently some 200 Maldivian nationals living in Bangkok.

He estimates that the Thai capital also sees around 500 Maldivian visitors each week.

On Saturday, Bangkok authorities declared a disaster zone across all 50 districts of Thailand’s capital after three consecutive days of rainfall caused heavy flooding.

Fuad told Sun that despite the widespread damage, the embassy has not yet received any report regarding an injury or property damage to a Maldivian citizen.

“We are calling the Maldivian community and are closely monitoring the situation. We have yet to receive any report of any damage,” he said.

The Maldivian embassy has advised Maldivian citizens in Bangkok to follow instructions issued by local authorities.

The disaster designation in Bangkok came on Saturday after Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said almost 300mm of rain had fallen since Thursday afternoon.

The nonstop rain inundated roads and canals with water, sending water into many homes and stores alongside them, according to reports. Photos and videos showed major roads submerged and cars abandoned after drivers were unable to move through the rising water.