UAE urges its citizens in rain-hit Thailand to stay vigilant

The UAE mission in Bangkok has advised UAE citizens presently in Thailand to remain vigilant due to the heavy rains and flooding affecting the capital, Bangkok.

They stressed the need to follow safety instructions provided by local authorities, use the emergency contact numbers 0097180024 or 0097180044444 if necessary, and register with the "Twajudi" service.

Bangkok authorities declared a flood disaster across the Thai capital on Saturday after almost 48 hours of heavy rain left homes, shops and roads waterlogged and residents wading through waist-deep water.

Although not all parts of Bangkok were submerged, the city declared all 50 districts a flood disaster area to help authorities respond quickly.

More than 84,000 people in 21 provinces nationwide were affected by flooding as of Saturday, especially in the central region. Authorities sent emergency warning messages through cellphones, the government said.

Cars crawled along waterlogged roads in parts of Bangkok, and bikers were seen pushing their motorcycles. Authorities said some regional bus services from Bangkok to the eastern provinces were suspended.