Incessant rain has pounded the capital since at least Wednesday, with intensifying downpours reported on Friday, according to the South China Morning Post and BBC News. ABC News said the deluge began on Thursday afternoon. Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned the rain would continue through Sunday. Accumulated rainfall in many areas of Bangkok since Thursday exceeded 30 centimeters (11.8 inches), officials said, while the South China Morning Post noted floodwaters had risen to at least two feet (60 cm) and were still rising.

The city’s central and eastern districts were hardest hit, with floodwaters spreading across roads and into homes. Chadchart Sittipunt said officials are working to drain floodwaters as quickly as possible and predicted the flooding would recede once the rain subsides.

Over 84,000 people in 21 provinces nationwide have been affected, with thousands in Bangkok forced to flee their homes. More than 200 shelters have been set up across the city, and about 900 people have moved in, according to ABC News. The South China Morning Post said entire neighborhoods were inundated, but did not provide an exact count of evacuees.

Phetchaburi Road, one of the city’s busiest, was unusually quiet as vehicles were turned back by floodwaters. Many businesses closed, and regional bus services to eastern provinces were suspended.

Residents waded through murky water carrying food and water. Some wore rubber waders or wrapped plastic bags around their feet. Narin Wernthaisong, a local resident, said, “In all the years I’ve lived here I’ve never seen flooding this bad,” as he waded through thigh-high water in Pra Kanong district.

International visitors and expatriates also described the crisis. South Korean visitor Hwang Hwan-chung, who has been to Bangkok a dozen times, said he had never seen such “crazy” weather and struggled to find a taxi. Dutch resident Bjorn Franken, who has lived in Bangkok for two years, said he was able to cope, though an event he wanted to attend was canceled.

Authorities sent emergency warning messages via cellphones and urged residents near canals to move belongings to upper floors. Air traffic control said flight operations were normal, though some delays were possible.

The South China Morning Post reported that Bangkok’s drainage system is ill-equipped to handle such intense rainfall, which is becoming more frequent due to the climate crisis.