As heavy rains and flooding continue to inundate northern Thailand’s Chiang Mai Province, the Prime Minister has ordered all agencies to urgently help people and animals while authorities monitor the Ping River.
Mr. Jirayu Huangtra, advisor to the Prime Minister, said Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra is closely monitoring the flood situation in Chiang Mai and is receiving continuous reports. She has ordered all relevant agencies to help the people and animals urgently.
He stated that Ms. Paethongtarn had ordered soldiers and volunteer defense personnel to help restore affected houses so everyone could return to normal as soon as possible. All agencies have also been instructed to monitor the situation, especially in the next 24 hours.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has sent over 100 officers to the Elephant Care Center. 126 elephants have been affected, with 114 moved to safety. The remaining nine elephants are tied up on high ground. Mr. Jirayu said the water level is receding, and animal feed and livestock will be brought in for assistance.
Chiang Mai Governor Mr. Nirat Phongsitthawon immediately announced that a mass of water from the Ping River will flow into low-lying downstream districts. People in low-lying areas at risk of flooding in Saraphi District, Hang Dong District, and San Pa Tong District were ordered to evacuate bedridden patients and vulnerable groups to temporary flood shelters in Chiang Mai Province within 24 hours.
Defense personnel, rescue agencies, and government and private sectors have been evacuating people and vulnerable groups from flood-risk areas and informing the public to move animals, belongings, and vehicles to higher ground.
The Marine Department will deploy personnel, flat-bottomed boats, equipment, and various vehicles to assist flood victims in the northern region. They are working with various agencies and are monitoring the water situation in risk areas 24 hours a day, continuing to assist until the people are safe.
The Chiang Mai Municipality also helped residents in the Chang Klan Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, by placing sandbags to prevent water overflowing into the hospital area and transporting medical personnel.
They also assisted residents in the Wat Muang Kai community, Wat Ket Subdistrict, by distributing food and drinking water to flood victims and assisting victims at Ban Surin Niwet, Tha Sala District, so they could safely evacuate the area.
Meanwhile, the water level in the Ping River at approximately noon on Sunday, October 6, at Station P.1, Nawarat Bridge in Chiang Mai City, was 5.30 meters. The water level is expected to peak at midnight. Warnings have been issued for areas on both sides of the Ping River in Mueang District, Saraphi, Hang Dong, San Pa Tong, Doi Lor, and Lamphun Province, in Mueang District, Pa Sang, and Wiang Nong Long.
In Chiang Rai Municipality, widespread damage continues, with mud and garbage blocking normal drainage in the underground drainage pipes. Recently, four special high-pressure mud suction trucks and a team of workers traveled from Bangkok to help remove the mud from drainage pipes in communities and various roads in Chiang Rai Municipality.
The high-pressure mud suction trucks can extract up to 14 tons per suction. After suctioning, the mud is disposed of at the waste disposal center of Chiang Rai Municipality.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul visited Mae Sai, Chiang Rai, to monitor flood recovery efforts. He stated that all sectors are mobilized to restore the area, and by the end of this month, all areas will be cleared of mud and debris for the people.
The Cabinet is considering adjusting the criteria for paying flood relief to a maximum of 9,000 baht per household. Because of the current situation in Chiang Rai, a 10,000 baht fee per household for cleanup will also be proposed.
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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.
