Officials from the disaster mitigation department in Chiang Rai have reported significant flooding in Mae Sai, Wiang Pang Kham, and Koh Chang in the Mae Sai district. The floodwater was approximately one meter deep and streaming rapidly.
Prepare for potential evacuations in flood-affected areas near the flooding Sai River in Mae Sai district.
On Tuesday, floodwater was gushing from Tham Luang Cave in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Nong National Park, located in Mae Sai district. Tham Luang Cave is a well-known location following the 2018 flooded cave rescue mission.
A landslip struck a residence in the Mae Fah Luang district. Two residents sustained grievous injuries; one died, and the other remains unaccounted for.
According to local irrigation authorities, the Kok River was critically elevated at 1,000 cubic meters per second due to runoff from Myanmar. The Chan and Kham Uen rivers were also inundated in the Mae Chan district.
Rescuers assisted individuals left stranded in their residences in Chiang Rai. Numerous residents shared images of their homes’ inundation on social media platforms and requests for assistance.
Photos of an elderly man trapped on his roof have gone viral on various social media sites. At about 11 a.m. yesterday, a member of a jet-ski team led by social media activist Guntouch Pongpaiboonwet used a jet-ski to rescue the man.
According to Thai PBS, many Facebook users posted and commented in appreciation for the team’s efforts, while others offered moral support to the man and others affected by the flooding.
Rescue workers in Chiang Rai stated that conducting rescue operations was exceedingly challenging due to the robust current. Inundated residents were advised to relocate to higher ground until evacuation but were cautioned against attempting to wade through the swiftly flowing water.
38 individuals, including monks, novices, and laymen, were caught inside a temple in Mae Sai and marooned by the flood. Locally known as Wat Mai Lung Khon, a monk posted images (see above) displaying the inundated temple grounds and requesting assistance.
The monk wrote that one devotee who arrived at the temple yesterday to make merit was among the 38 individuals who could not depart. He requested that anyone who observed a rescue team or boat carrying food cartons direct them to the temple.
In other locations, residents of single-story residences were observed resting on their roofs. Floating cabinets within their residences were the perches of elderly individuals who could not ascend onto their roofs.
Related News:
Chiang Rai’s Famous Tham Luang Cave Experiences Worst Flooding in 13 Years
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.
