The Chiang Rai Disaster and Mitigation Department reports Wiang Pa Pao District has been inundated with flash floods over the past few days, and over 3,000 homes have been flooded.
People affected by the flash floods have been posting video clips of the damage the flooding has caused. Many places had severe flash floods that severely damaged people’s homes and property.
In Ban Huai Hin Lat in Tambon Ban Pong, Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao, a Karen village located on a high mountain ridge, approximately 25 kilometers from Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao, a flash flood from the mountain ridge violently cut through the middle of the village.
The fast-running water, laden with debris, swept away everything in its path, including vehicles parked at people’s homes.
Flooding from the mountain ridges in a Lisu village in Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao damaged many houses. Water overflowing from the Mae Chang Khao reservoir caused rapid currents to flow into villages and communities.
Yesterday, water flooded at least five sub-districts in Wiang Pa Pao District. Many areas, especially Ban Huai Hin Lat Nai, were removed from the outside world. Electricity and phone signals were cut off, and villagers needed urgent assistance, especially food, lighting and mosquito repellent.
The Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai Highway No. 118 was still affected by flash floods and Laotian waters, which forced it to be closed and prevented all types of vehicles from passing.
As of 6 PM Tuesday, the Wiang Pa Pao Police Station reported that the road was still under water. Large vehicles can pass through, but they must be careful. Small vehicles and motorcycles cannot pass through, so they must use alternative routes.
The Wiang Pa Pao-Amphoe Phrao route to Chiang Mai Province was temporarily closed after fallen trees caused landslides to block the road. The Highways Division and the local administration rushed to clear the route and return it to normal as soon as possible.
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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.
