Disaster and Mitigation officials reported that a landslip struck a remote mountain village in northern Thailand’s Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai on Tuesday, burying numerous residences and resulting in the deaths of two individuals, one injury, and the disappearance of four others.
The landslip and ensuing flash flood in Ban Doi Laem village destroyed seven houses, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, one with a broken leg and the disappearance of four others. It is widely believed that the four abducted individuals are all members of the same family.
The village has been inaccessible to rescue teams due to the persistent heavy rain, landslides, and fallen trees, necessitating a foot trek. The deceased’s corpses have been recovered, and the injured individual has been evacuated to a safe location. Nevertheless, safety concerns have necessitated suspending search operations for the missing. They will, therefore, resume today.
Authorities caution nearby residents to remain vigilant, as the likelihood of additional flash floods and landslides remains elevated.
Days of torrential downpours in Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park caused flash floods and landslides, with rainfall reaching as high as 143 millimeters in certain areas. The calamity struck. Rescue teams were deployed to the affected regions.
A landslip that occurred independently obstructed a road connecting Ban Doi Laem and Pang Tonne Khong villages in Chiang Mai, thereby preventing access to the region.
Chiang Mai Communication remains a challenge due to disrupted phone signals, despite the fact that authorities have successfully cleared the road.
In the meantime, the northern province of Chiang Rai has experienced extensive flooding due to torrential rains, which has evacuated residents and destroyed infrastructure.
A bridge over the Kam River in Mae Fah Luang district has collapsed, resulting in the absence of conveyance in the region. The local authorities have warned residents residing near the riverbanks to relocate their possessions to higher ground as the water levels continue to rise.
The Moei River has overflowed its banks in the Mae Sot district of Tak province, adjacent to Myanmar. This has resulted in the inundation of both Thai and Myanmar territories. Due to the water level’s elevation of over two meters, residents are in a state of distress as they attempt to evacuate their residences.
The public must remain vigilant, as authorities have continuously deployed teams to monitor water levels.
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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.
