The Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office reported as of August 30, 2024 that flood waters in 12 districts are receding and slowly returning to normal.
In Thoeng, Khun Tan, and Phayao Mengrai, districts more than 500 houses are still flooded. Some low-lying areas along the Ing River are flooded higher than 1 meter. In addition, there are tens of thousands of rai of agricultural land, especially rice fields, still under water.
The Royal Irrigation Department reports water levels in the Mekong River are slowly decreasing, after after several high ranking officials complained over China releasing water into the Mekong River, causing the water level to increase.
The Mekong is decreasing about 30-50 centimeters per day, from the original height of 10 meters, it is now at a level of more than 9 meters, which is more than 5 meters below the river bank.
As the water levels in the Mekong River slowly decreased, the tributaries such as the Ruak River, Kok River, Kham River, and Ing River have also decreased, helping water level in Thoeng, Khun Tan, and Phayao Mengrai districts to slowly decrease.
It is expected that if there is no new rainstorms, the water may dry up within 1-2 weeks.
However, if there is a surge of water or water from Kwan Phayao flowing in, the flooding could last for months.
The Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office and the Royal Irrigation Department have been closely monitoring the situation and are continuing to help those affected.
At the same time, both government and private agencies, as well as the general public, have brought ready-to-eat food, dried food, drinking water, and necessities to distribute to provide continuous assistance to those affected by floods.
Chiang Rai Officials Close Kok River Bridge in Doi Luang District After Piers Collapse
Chiang Rai Officials Close Kok River Bridge in Doi Luang District After Piers Collapse
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.
