Ongoing Mud Drying and Cleanup Efforts Amid New Rain Forecast
PUBLISHED : 21 Sep 2024 at 15:52
Residents in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai, are battling thick dust clouds as mudslides caused by recent heavy rains continue to affect daily life. Locals along Phahon Yothin Road report that 11 days of runoff have left hardened mud and dirt, introducing new challenges to their lives.
The hardening mud is breaking down into dust, which is being blown into homes and creating additional health concerns due to increased vehicle traffic in the area heading to the border market.
The northern province remains on alert as tropical storm Soulik approaches, bringing expectations of further heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the region in the coming days.
Discounted Goods Post-Flood
In response to the flooding, vendors in Chiang Rai are offering heavily discounted damaged goods, with prices slashed by as much as 80% on clothing, bags, shoes, and blankets. Customers can find items priced as low as tens of baht, with cold-weather gear especially in demand.
Mekong River Levels Dropping
In Nakhon Phanom province, the Mekong River’s water level is receding, currently measured at 11.3 meters on Saturday morning, decreasing by 20 to 30 centimeters daily. Although the alert level stands at 12m, there is no immediate risk of overflow into the city, which can manage levels up to 15m.
Recent heavy rainfall from tropical storm Soulik recorded 80 millimeters in Sri Songkhram district and 79mm in Ban Phaeng district. However, as of Saturday morning, the weather has cleared, with lingering clouds.
In Nakhon Phanom, flooding in basement shops has receded to about 40cm below floor level, prompting shop owners to begin clean-up operations in preparation for the upcoming annual Boat Floating Festival and the Nakhon Phanom Red Cross Fair, which will take place from October 8-18. The provincial municipality has deployed officers and volunteers to aid in clearing mud from affected areas around the Naga Monument and basement spaces.
