The Royal Irrigation Department has reported that heavy rain over the past few days has once again caused the water level of the Ping River in Chiang Mai to rise. The latest update today (October 3, 2024) is that the Ping River has exceeded critical levels and is expected to reach a maximum of 4.95 meters tonight.

The Royal Irrigation Department indicated that the water volume is higher than the previous time, which will overflow the banks and cause flooding in low-lying areas of Chiang Mai.

The Disease Prevention Office has advised people in risk areas to move their belongings to higher ground as soon as possible.

The latest update at 2:00 p.m. is 4.02 meters and is still rising. It is expected to reach 4.20 meters at 4:00 p.m. and will likely reach 4.95 meters at 2:00 a.m. tonight.

Flood warning, Chiang Mai, ping river — Locals monitor flood water reports at the Mae Taeng water level detection center—Chiang Mai Irrigation Project Image.

Mr. Keokul Manasampansakun, the director of the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project, revealed to Thai media that, given the current situation, flooding in Chiang Mai is expected to occur.

He said that after assessing the situation, it was found that the Mae Taeng water level detection center water exceeded 331 cubic meters per second, which has now passed through the Mae Taeng side.

Water from Chiang Dao exceeds 200 cubic meters per second and flows down to join water from other tributaries. The amount of water flowing is equivalent to last week’s and may even be higher.

He said that because the water mass is not less than 600 cubic meters per second, it is considered higher than the previous time, which caused flooding in Chiang Mai between 24 and 28 September 2024.

Therefore, the public in Zones 1, 2, 3 and 4 in Chiang Mai is warned to immediately pack their belongings because the water will reach Nawarat Bridge or P1 at 3:00 p.m. today, causing the water to overflow the banks.

People with 2-story houses are advised to move necessary belongings up immediately. If there is no second floor, move your belongings out immediately to prevent damage. The water level is not stable at the moment and is likely to be as high as 600 cubic meters per second, higher than the previous flood, he said.