The Meteorological Center reported that some areas in Chiang Rai province are still experiencing heavy rain. Flash floods and forest runoff have occurred, especially in areas at the foot of mountains near waterways and lowlands.
Villagers in Mae Pao, Phaya Mengrai District, Chiang Rai, woke up this morning to more than one meter-high floodwaters. Some families were forced to wade through chest-high water with their children because no boats were available to evacuate them.
More than 400 houses have been flooded, while agricultural areas, especially rice fields, have been damaged. More than 1,000 acres of land were affected. Villagers revealed that the flooding occurred so quickly that some people did not have time to pack their belongings.
Despite using sandbags to seal their houses, their homes were inundated with floodwaters that flowed over the sandbags and into their homes.
The Chiang Rai Provincial Administrative Organization (PAO) has sent personnel with large water pumps and sandbags to join the local administrative organizations and the administration of Phayao Mengrai District to block the water flowing into the temple on both sides.
Mr. Kritsachit Chomphu Daeng, Head of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (DDPM) of Chiang Rai Province, said that the water flowing to Mae Pao Subdistrict receives water from Doi Sila Subdistrict and Phangam Subdistrict, Wiang Chai District, so it becomes a point for receiving water before flowing into the Ing River.
However, over the past week, the Ing River has also overflowed its banks, slowing drainage and flooding houses.
Agricultural areas, temples, etc., must also be monitored because water is still flowing from the Mae Tak reservoir, which is more than 90% full. The irrigation department is draining water to reduce the water level.
Meanwhile, the Mae Pao Subdistrict Administrative Organization has already surveyed and assisted those affected in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, after water flooded the Sai Lom Joy Market area for the third time in a week.
The Chiang Rai Disaster and Prevention Department said the water level has started to recede, but the situation must still be monitored. Heavy rain is still falling in the upper region, which could cause more flooding.
Meanwhile, in Phayao Province, the flood situation in Dok Kham Tai Municipality, Dok Kham Tai District, has not improved after heavy rain caused water from the Rong Chang River to flow into houses in more than 7 villages in the municipality.
Many roads in Dok Kham Tai Municipality have been flooded, and small vehicles cannot pass. Officials have put up warning signs.
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding on Phahonyothin Road in Bandu Chiang Rai
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding on Phahonyothin Road in Bandu Chiang Rai
Geoff Thomas is an award winning journalist known for his sharp insights and no-nonsense reporting style. Over the years he has worked for Reuters and the Canadian Press covering everything from political scandals to human interest stories. He brings a clear and direct approach to his work.
