PUBLISHED: 11 Sep 2024 at 11:26
Severe rainfall in northern Thailand has triggered devastating floods and landslides, confirming the deaths of four individuals, with additional casualties reported. Rescue operations are underway as communities grapple with overflowing rivers and hazardous conditions.
In Chiang Rai province, disaster response teams have reported significant flooding in tambon Mae Sai, tambon Wiang Pang Kham, and tambon Koh Chang, with floodwaters reaching depths of up to one meter and flowing rapidly.
Residents in flood-prone areas near the Sai River in Mae Sai district are under advisement to prepare for possible evacuations.
Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Nong National Park, known for its historic cave rescue in 2018, is experiencing heavy floodwaters pouring from Tham Luang Cave.
Tragically, a landslide in Mae Fah Luang district has resulted in one fatality, with two others sustaining severe injuries and one person remaining unaccounted for.
In Muang district, overflow from the Kok River has begun to inundate local communities.
Local irrigation officials reported that the Kok River’s flow is critically high, estimated at 1,000 cubic meters per second, due to runoff from Myanmar.
In Mae Chan district, residents are also facing overflow from the Chan and Kham Uen rivers.
Rescue teams are actively assisting stranded residents, with many using social media to request help and share images of the flooding in their neighborhoods.
Due to the strong currents, evacuation efforts are being complicated, and residents are urged to relocate to higher ground rather than attempting to cross fast-moving waters.
In nearby Chiang Mai, two landslides in Mae Ai district have claimed three lives, with additional casualties still missing as of Wednesday.
Authorities have issued warnings to surrounding areas about potential flash floods and runoff.
