Heavy rains in Chiang Mai yesterday caused a torrent of water to rampage down Doi Suthep mountain, flattening trees, creating mudslides, and inundating several communities. Residents claimed the water came so quickly, they were unprepared and unable to transport their possessions to higher ground.

After water poured inside her home, Ms. Prakaithip Inthakul, a resident of Pa Ha hamlet in Muang district, told Thai PBS that she was able to preserve her furnishings, she said she had to hold her TV set tightly out of concern that the flood may sweep it away. Other residents reported that all of their possessions were washed away or submerged.

The Faculty of Mass Media had to move on-site sessions to online due to the Ang Kaeo reservoir in the Chiang Mai University compound overflowing and partially flooding the university and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Flash Flooding to Doi Suthep — Flash Flooding in Doi Suthep – Thai PBS Image

According to the most recent report, the flooding at Chiang Mai’s Talad Tonne Phayom crossroads subsided after the irrigation department opened the sluice gate to discharge the floodwater into the irrigation canal. There was just one usable lane, which caused severe traffic congestion.

In order to safeguard their homes, the district’s residents have received additional sandbags, many homes are beneath a meter of floodwater. Flood victims can now receive free food from public kitchens and temporary shelters for the elderly and sick.

Meanwhile, the Chiang Mai train station is still closed, while employees have been making arrangements for travellers who are stuck to be taken to the bus terminal. The State Railways has directed their personnel to verify that the railway crossing barriers and signalling systems are in proper operating order.

According to the State Railway website, if a passenger wants to cancel their trip, they can request a full refund if they purchased advance rail tickets for travel from yesterday through Monday.