The Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reports heavy rain continued in Chiang Rai Province from 9-10 Sep 2024, resulting in flooding in 2 districts: Mae Sai and Chiang Khong.
Mae Sai District flooding occurred in Wiang Pang Kham and Mae Sai Subdistrict.
The level of the Sai River continued to rise, flooding the Sai Lom Joy Market and Mae Sai communities, the Hua Fai Community, the Mueang Daeng Community, the Mai Lung Khan Community, and the Koh Sai Community.
The water level is expected to increase, and the embankment will overflow. The damage in the area is being assessed. Officials have temporarily closed the Mae Sai-Tachilek border checkpoint and warned people to move their belongings to higher ground and evacuate them to safe areas. There have been no reports of injuries or deaths.
At 2:45 p.m., the Mae Sai administration ordered unrelated persons to leave the area. Officials closed the road in front of the Mae Sai Police Station because flash floods were flowing high.
The Sai River overflowed into the Sai Lom Joy Market area. Flash floods swept away a large amount of wood and garbage, which became stuck at the 1st Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. Authorities from both countries had to bring vehicles and people to clear the wood chips and garbage.
The commercial area in Mae Sai, Sai Lom Joy Market, is flooded with more than 2 meters of water, along with communities along the Sai River in Mae Sai Municipality. In Chum Chum Hua Fai—Sai Lom Joy Nak—Koh Sai—Mai Lung Khan—Muang Daeng sub-districts, officials warn of high flood waters with a fast-flowing current.
It has been reported that many villagers are trapped in their shops and houses.
Across the border in Myanmar, many people in Tachilek Province are still experiencing the latest water level, which is still overflowing on Phahonyothin Road at the entrance to Doi Wao Market, which has never been flooded before.
In Chiang Khong District, flooding occurred in Tambon Sathan. After continuous rain, water flooded Villages 2, 5, and 12, and water was drained from the Chang Reservoir, affecting 50 houses. The Sathan Subdistrict Municipality has brought in machinery to help open waterways and drain water from the area. There have been no reports of injuries or deaths.
The Chiang Rai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department stated that the situation is under close surveillance. Moderate to light rain has fallen in all areas of the province, and the water level of the main rivers is likely to increase.
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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.
