CHIANG RAI – Military personnel and local officials in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, are working around the clock to secure flood defenses. Heavy downpours hit Chiang Rai province hard, leaving several communities vulnerable to flash floods.
The immediate flash flood crisis has recently started to improve in many areas. However, weather monitors warn that more storms are actively moving toward the northern border region.
Key Takeaways
- High Rainfall: Weather stations recorded over 102 millimeters of rain in just 12 hours in the Mae Sai district.
- Active Defense: Soldiers and local volunteers built massive big-bag sand barriers to protect communities along the Sai River.
- Ongoing Alert: Weather radar shows continuous rain clouds, keeping the risk of flash floods high for residents.
The early warning system in Wiang Phang Kham sub-district triggered an alert after massive rainfall. Local officials reported that the storm dropped 102.0 millimeters of water overnight.
This sudden downpour sent mud and debris sliding down mountains, blocking key routes between Chiang Khong and Chiang Saen.
Emergency teams quickly cleared the blocked roads, which allowed light vehicles to pass through safely again. The continuous rain means the soil remains unstable, forcing road crews to monitor the mountain passes closely.
According to updates from the Thairath news agency, the Third Development Division joined forces with the 37th Military District. Together with local administrative teams, they built a long wall of heavy sandbags along the Sai River. These barriers stretch from the Tham Pha Chom village down to the second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge.
Bridge and Road Repairs Underway
Residents stated that the taller walls give them peace of mind against sudden river overflows. Even though the situation looks stable, families in low-lying villages are actively moving their belongings to higher floors.
The heavy currents also caused structural damage deeper inside the province. In the Tab Tao sub-district, rushing waters severely eroded the foundations of the Ban Pang Kha bridge. Transport officials have already deployed engineering teams to repair the bridge and restore local travel routes quickly.
Weather experts from the Hydrogeology Department warn that the danger has not passed yet. The latest weather radar images show dense rain clouds covering most parts of northern Chiang Rai.
Officials advise residents living near mountain slopes and waterways to keep emergency bags packed and follow daily weather announcements.
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