Persistent heavy rain has flooded large parts of Bangkok, disrupting traffic and forcing thousands of residents to move to shelters as authorities declared all 50 districts of the Thai capital disaster areas.

The rain, which began Thursday afternoon, has dumped more than 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) of water in many parts of Bangkok, particularly in central and eastern areas, according to officials.

Thailand’s Meteorological Department forecast that heavy rainfall would continue across much of the country through Sunday.

Bangkok Gov. Chadchart Sittipunt said more than 200 shelters had been established across the city, with around 4,200 people already taking refuge there.

The government said flooding had affected more than 84,000 people in 21 provinces nationwide as of Saturday, with the central region among the hardest hit. Authorities also sent emergency flood warnings to residents through mobile phones.

Floodwaters brought traffic in several areas to a standstill, with cars moving slowly through submerged roads and motorcyclists pushing their bikes through the water.

Some bus services from Bangkok to eastern provinces were suspended, while Phetchaburi Road, one of the capital’s major thoroughfares, was unusually quiet as floodwaters forced vehicles to turn back. Some cars were partly submerged.

Residents waded through muddy water carrying food and drinking water. Some went barefoot, while others used rubber boots or wrapped plastic bags around their feet to protect them from the water.

Many businesses also remained closed Saturday because of the flooding.

South Korean visitor Hwang Hwan-chung, who has traveled to Bangkok around a dozen times, said he had never experienced such “crazy” weather and was unable to find a taxi.

Local resident Sukanya Tongsuk said the flooding reminded her of the severe inundation that struck Bangkok in 2011.

Dutch resident Bjorn Franken, who has lived in Bangkok for two years, said he was managing despite the flooding, although an event he planned to attend had been canceled.

Air traffic control authorities said flights were operating normally, though some delays were possible.

Chadchart said the flooding was expected to ease after the rain stops, while city authorities were working to drain the accumulated water as quickly as possible.