23 Sub-Districts and 76 Villages Hit by Flooding in Chiang Rai

 

CHIANG RAI – High water levels have become a cause for concern across the northern region, such as in Chiang Rai where the Kam River burst its banks into residential areas.

Villages in Mae Kam sub-district of Mae Chan district in Chiang Rai have been inundated after the Kam River broke through its barricades. Flood water is between 30 centimeters and 1 meter deep across more than four villages.

Chiang Rai Governor Prajon Prachsakul inspected the situation and acknowledged that the embankment was old and in disrepair. He has dispatched officers to assist and said that if rain doesn’t fall for the next three days the situation will gradually resolve itself. A total of six districts accounting for 23 sub-districts and 76 villages have been hit by flooding in Chiang Rai.

In Chiang Mai province, forest runoff has impacted construction of Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Highway 118, including a diversion around the roadworks in the area of kilometers 42 to 50. Authorities are now raising the road above the water level and expect the situation to be resolved if rain eases.

Flooding that began on August 17 in Phayao’s Pong district has reportedly subsided. The flood stretched over seven sub-districts and damaged more than 2,500 rai of farmland.

Phayao Governor Narongsak Osot-thanakorn has provided necessities to over 30 households that were cut off by the flooding and agencies are now providing further rehabilitation. Chiang Muan district, which is below Pong, has been warned that a large volume of water is headed its way. Again, the situation is expected to resolve itself in one to two days if rain doesn’t fall.

 

23 Sub-districts and 76 Villages have been hit by flooding in Chiang Rai – Photo’s Local New2010