The Deputy Governor of Chiang Mai Province told a press briefing that the Ping River is still quite high and at a critical level, with the water level higher than 4.20 meters from the water level measurement point at P.1, Nawarat Bridge, which is the center of Chiang Mai City.
He said during an aerial survey, he could see many areas in Chiang Mai City, especially those adjacent to the Ping River, are still heavily flooded, especially Chang Klan Road, Night Bazaar, Prachasat Road, Mother and Child Hospital, Mangrai District Office, and nearby areas.
The water level at the Nawarat Bridge, Khua Lek, and Pak 5 Bridges crossing the river is still quite high, almost reaching the bridge tops.
He said the Ping River is still flowing fast, and the water is murky, making it impossible to see the damage caused by the helicopter in the flooded areas.
The latest reports on the Ping River’s water level show that it has been continuously decreasing since early this morning.
He said the Nawarat Bridge station reported the water decreasing by an average of 5 centimeters per hour. And P.67 Mae Ta, San Sai has also continued to recede to the level of 3.09 meters, which is a good sign that the water is continuing to decrease.
Meanwhile, the Night Bazaar area, a major tourist and commercial area, is still flooded with water at 50-80 centimeters high. Shop owners, restaurants, and more than 200 hotels have temporarily closed.
Many business owners expressed their concerns that despite warnings, the support and assistance from government agencies were not good enough. There are no preparations for prevention, such as sand, and to provide support in advance.
Business owners had to take care of flood prevention measures themselves. They would like the relevant agencies to compensate them for the damages that occurred because not only will they lose income from closing their shops, but they will also have to pay for repairs and restoration.
The Chiang Mai Railway Station is also floo, and passengers are provided with buses to take them therein to Lampang Station to board the train.
This is because a flash flood swept away the railway between Lamphun and Lampang, and later, that section was temporarily closed for a few days. If any passengers who have already purchased tickets want to cancel, the railway will refund the full amount.
Mr. Atthawich Nakwatchara, Director of the Royal Irrigation Department, said that if there is no more rain tomorrow (27 September 2024), the water that has overflowed in some areas of Chiang Mai City will be able to be drained back into the Ping RiveThethe water that has overflowed the emergency spillway of the Mae Ngad Somboon Chon Dam, which has now overflowed by about 30 centimeters will not affect the water level in the Ping River because the water level from the headwaters in Mae Taeng and Chiang Dao Districts has already decreased significantly.
Source: MCOT
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Salman Ahmad is known for his significant contributions to esteemed publications like the Times of India and the Express Tribune. Salman has carved a niche as a freelance journalist, combining thorough research with engaging reporting.
