Heavy Rain Causing Flooding in Northern Provinces

CHIANG RAI – Continuing downpours in Thailand’s northern region have prompted many areas to warn residents of possible flash floods and landslides.

Endless heavy rainfall for over 24 hours in Chiang Rai province, particularly in Chiang Saen district, led to a flash flood from Doi Mae Ab to flood nearby households in Pa Teung Forest, Baan Saew Village, where civil servants were dispatched to provide emergency assistance to local residents.

The provincial official has warned 18 districts to remain alert for forest runoff, flash floods, and landslides and prepare for round-the-clock evacuation if necessary.

In Nan province, the army’s Military Development Unit 31 mobilized soldiers to assist villagers in clearing out their belongings and cleaning their houses, after the area experienced a flash flood yesterday.

Meanwhile, Public Health officials from Bo Kleua district have provided medical checkups for residents and explained about water-borne diseases in order for them better protect themselves from infection.

In the meantime, the powerful western monsoon will cover the Andaman Gulf in southern Thailand from today through Friday, and is expected to cause high waves of up to 3-5 metres high.

The provincial disaster response office warned local fishermen to use their boats with extreme caution, while small boats should refrain from leaving shore.

The office also warned residents in areas at risk of flooding to remain vigilant regarding heavy downpours, flash flooding and landslides.

The strong winds in Trang province have prompted villagers in four coastal districts to take shifts to monitor the level of sea water driven ashore by the strong winds, as some houses have already had waves pushing against them.

At the same in time, nine households on Li Bong Island have left their shelters after the island has had 3-metre waves dashing against the shoreline. – MCOT