BANGKOK — As the death toll from mid-September floods across Thailand climbed to 60, authorities are scrambling to implement emergency measures ahead of a massive international summit next week, compounded by forecasts of additional torrential rain.

According to AFP, Reuters, and the Thai Ministry of Interior on October 7 (local time), floods continue to batter Bangkok and 27 provinces nationwide, leaving approximately 1.15 million households affected.

Prachinburi Province in central Thailand reported the highest casualties with 19 deaths, as overflowing rivers submerged homes across 7 districts and impacted roughly 188,000 residents.

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) estimated that industrial damages have reached approximately 6 billion baht (approx. $175 million USD). The disruptions include widespread flight delays and cancellations at Thai Airways with mounting backlogs of unprocessed baggage, alongside suspended operations at major manufacturing plants such as Honda.

Amid this crisis, the Thai Meteorological Department has forecasted thunderstorms, scattered heavy showers, and even hail across Bangkok and various regions from October 10 to 12. This comes right ahead of the upcoming Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank hosted in Bangkok next week.

According to the Thai government, about 15,000 delegates and representatives from over 190 countries are expected to converge on Bangkok for the summit, which runs from October 12 to 18.

Local authorities are deeply concerned that a resurgence of severe flooding could paralyze traffic in Bangkok, causing major disruptions to the event and widespread chaos.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed relevant ministries to take all necessary precautions to prevent the summit from being derailed by floodwaters.

Authorities stated that the four primary zones designated for the summit have remained unflooded despite recent downpours, and contingency plans are firmly in place should conditions worsen.

To manage the situation, the government has deployed approximately 5,000 police officers across Bangkok and prepared response scenarios utilizing high-clearance tow trucks and helicopters if needed.

The Meteorological Department announced that experts will monitor weather conditions 24 hours a day to provide localized forecasts, expressing cautious optimism that rainfall will begin to ease starting October 12, when the main events commence.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]