Chiang Rai Flood Levels Expected to Improve, According to Government Officials

Plans for Recovery in Chiang Rai

The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has reported that the flood situation in Chiang Rai is expected to improve by Monday, despite the likelihood of further rainfall.

According to ONWR updates, conditions in Muang and Mae Sai districts are predicted to gradually normalize, with water levels receding in the coming days.

Comprehensive plans have been established to expedite the draining of floodwaters from affected communities in these northern districts.

The Chiang Rai Provincial Public Relations Office has confirmed that multiple agencies are collaborating to address flooding issues and repair affected water systems.

Coordination with the Provincial Waterworks Authority and various state departments, including the Department of Water Resources and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, is underway.

On Saturday, representatives from several water management agencies met in Chiang Rai to review the ongoing flood situation and formulate recovery strategies. Water levels reportedly dropped by nearly one meter during the day.

Authorities in Mae Sai municipality are advising residents to relocate vehicles parked along Phahon Yothin Road to the Kwong Meng intersection to facilitate tractor access for mud removal.

Local volunteers have been encouraged to assist in the cleanup efforts in areas where floodwaters have receded.

Despite challenging conditions, traffic across the Mae Sai border from Tachileik in Myanmar remains ongoing, as local businesses and agencies collaborate to address the cleanup.

However, ongoing rain has complicated these efforts, particularly with numerous abandoned vehicles trapped in mud.

Cleanup operations are anticipated to extend over 20 days, with forecasts indicating additional rainfall due to impending storms.

Businesses along Phahon Yothin Road near the Mae Sai border have suffered significant damage owing to the floods.

While the water level in Mae Sai district shows signs of receding, strong currents are still affecting some areas, necessitating continued rescue operations.

In specific villages like Ban Mai Lung Khon and Ban Muang Daeng, water levels are decreasing, but substantial damage to homes has been reported.

In a bid to foster community recovery, Chiang Rai is set to launch its “Big Cleaning Day” initiative on Tuesday.

Additionally, Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport has reopened operations following a reduction in water levels.