The Royal Irrigation Department reports that overflows from the high Ping River have inundated portions of downtown Chiang Mai, prompting soldiers and volunteers to dump sandbags to fortify flood walls throughout the city.
The Department’s Chiang Mai office issued an urgent advisory updating the flood situation in the Mueang district. It warned that the water depth in the Ping River was expected to rise above 5m between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday, up from 4.45m measured at the Nawarat Bridge at 6 a.m.
The Ping River’s water depth is expected to rise above 5 meters between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Wednesday. The Chiang Mai office of the Royal Irrigation Department issued an urgent advisory warning of more flooding. The flood water will reach a depth of more than 5 meters.
Since last night, the Governor of Chiang Mai, Nirat Pongsitthithavorn, has been closely coordinating with the Royal Department of Irrigation to have mobile units survey the Ping River’s water levels at different sites, particularly those with low elevations.
Thai media reports that the depth of the Ping River at the P1 station near the Nawarat Bridge was 4.48 meters at noon on Wednesday, while it was 3.69 meters at midday in the San Sai area. The water levels are steadily going up.
Last night, overflows from the Ping River inundated the Night Bazaar shopping district, San Pa Khoi Market, Chiang Mai-Lamphun Road in front of the Ban Den Electricity Authority, and the economic zone of Chiang Mai.
Officials in Chiang Mai have warned residents in all seven flood zones, urging them to remain alert and immediately relocate their possessions to higher ground to minimize the likelihood of property damage.
Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra is scheduled to fly to Chiang Mai province on September 27 to observe relief operations and discuss solutions to the water problems. The Deputy Prime Ministers accompanying her will travel to other hard-hit areas in Chiang Mai Province.
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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.
