Thailand floods may cause $327 million in damage

Floods have sent nearly 6,000 people to shelters in Bangkok, and more than 80,000 people in flooded areas cannot leave their homes. Since September 16, floods have killed at least eight people and affected more than 580,000 homes in 41 provinces. The damage may cost Thailand at least 11 billion baht, or $327 million.

Bangkok had 320 millimeters of rain in two or three days last week. That is almost as much as the city usually gets in all of September. The rain filled streets and overwhelmed the drains. A city official says 5,901 people have moved to 234 shelters. Bangkok is low, and floods often happen there during its six-month rainy season.

In Bang Kapi, people walk through deep water to buy basic goods. Some sellers set up stalls on plastic boxes and drums that float. Marisa Singprakhon sells at the market's edge, but she has to stand in knee-deep water. “Customers don't want to go in,” she said. The government is using boats and kitchens that can move to help people. It aims to give three meals a day during the floods and for at least seven days after the water goes down.

Aat Pisanwanich, who studies money and business, says the floods may lower Thailand's growth to 2.1% this year. This means the floods may slow the country's economy while affecting homes and businesses.