Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued a message addressing the flooding in northern Thailand, adding that her government is closely monitoring the situation, particularly in Nan, Chiang Rai, and Phayao, and is very concerned for the inhabitants impacted.
She added that, while she is now unable to officially discharge her duties as Prime Minister due to the constitutional process, she has communicated her concerns to acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, to provide immediate aide.
Northern Thailand is experiencing significant flooding, and the government has informed the public that it is taking all necessary steps to aid those affected by the water.
The Interior Ministry and provincial governors have been ordered to speed up relief efforts, while the National Water Resources Office is working to control water levels and drainage.
Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, attended a meeting yesterday to examine crisis management measures in northern Thailand, as did important officials from the National Water Resources Office and the Royal Irrigation Department.
More Rain Coming for Northern Thailand
The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall warning for the northern area, notably in the provinces of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, and Nan.
The National Water Resources Office has also issued a flood warning for locations along major rivers and branches, as well as low-lying areas, through August 30.
Meanwhile, the Royal Irrigation Department has created a water management plan for the Yom River basin to accommodate the flow of water from upstream provinces. The concept involves holding extra water and eventually releasing it into the Yom and Nan rivers.
The flood situation in Nan province has reached a crisis level, affecting ten districts. The Yom and Nan rivers have burst their banks, flooding houses and agricultural area and causing significant damage.
Yesterday, floodwaters swept away three villagers in Nan’s Chiang Klang area while they were searching for crickets. Fortunately, they clung to a tree and were finally rescued by locals.
Water levels have risen above two meters in Tha Wang Pha district. Over 700 dwellings have been inundated, forcing many residents to relocate to relatives’ homes or evacuation centres.
Nan Sees worst flooding in over a decade
Mr. Surupol Thiensoot, the mayor of Nan City, has ordered citizens to move their belongings to higher ground as water levels rise at a rate of 5 centimetres per hour. Nan city is ready for the worst, he said, expecting a reassurance of the disastrous floods in 2011.He said that he has ordered the closing of all floodgates and is requesting more industrial pumps to help drain the water.
Meanwhile, in Chiang Rai province, which has also seen significant rainfall of the past three weeks, rivers and landslides have washed away roads, residences, orchards, and farmland, resulting in millions of baht in damage.
The Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported initial damage to flood-affected areas, which included ten districts, 29 sub-districts, 192 villages, and 7,591 homes. Tambon Tap Tao, Amphoe Thoeng, had the most severe flooding as water flowed down from Doi Pha Mon, causing widespread flooding, particularly in Ban Tonne Khueng and Ban Krai.
Yesterday, severe water detained a school bus. The event happened as the driver tried to traverse a flooded route, and the bus became stranded with almost a dozen pupils on board.
Fortunately, no one was wounded, but the children were scared as they waited for assistance. Locals assisted in carrying the children to a nearby sandbank as they waited for a boat to take them to safety.
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.
