BANGKOK, Sept 26 — Bangkok authorities have declared three districts flood-disaster areas after persistent heavy rain disrupted travel and access to affected communities.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) said the declaration covering Nong Chok, Suan Luang and Khan Na Yao would allow relevant agencies to enter affected areas, carry out their duties and respond swiftly within their respective powers and responsibilities.

“The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will closely monitor the situation and take further action in accordance with the relevant procedures and regulations should other areas meet the criteria for declaration as public-disaster-affected areas,” it said in a statement.

The BMA said flooding had made travel and access difficult, affecting the public and posing risks to lives and physical safety while potentially damaging public and state property.

It said the situation therefore constituted a public disaster under Thailand’s Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act 2007.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, in his capacity as director of the BMA, signed the declaration on Sept 25, covering 13 sub-districts across the three districts.

Meanwhile, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) director-general Theerapat Kachamat said flooding was affecting 11,796 households, or 37,036 people, across 12 provinces as of Sept 25.