Cost of Flood Damage in Chiang Rai Expected to Rise Amid Ongoing Rainfall Alerts
PUBLISHED: 16 Sep 2024 at 11:44
The estimated cost for flood damage in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai has surged to approximately 500 million baht, as many areas are still submerged, according to local officials. The full extent of the damage is yet to be determined as water recedes and assessments continue.
Kanchit Chumpoodaeng, the director of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office in Chiang Rai, highlighted that at least 10,000 homes and businesses have been impacted by the severe flooding, making it the worst seen in four decades. Current estimates are based on official repair rates of 49,500 baht per house.
“These figures reflect only housing repairs. Additional related costs are not accounted for,” Kanchit stated in a local radio interview.
Mae Sai was significantly affected after the Sai River overflowed its banks last week. Water levels remain critical in certain districts, necessitating the use of navy Seals for rescue operations in areas that are otherwise unreachable due to strong currents. Helicopters have been deployed to deliver essential supplies to stranded residents.
The district has established 17 temporary shelters for flood victims, while Chiang Rai municipality has set up two additional shelters to assist those displaced by the disaster.
Although the situation is progressing toward normalcy in other affected districts, Chiang Rai continues to face challenges as flooding has claimed 12 lives and left several others injured.
Currently, flooding has impacted seven provinces nationwide, with over 28,000 households reported as damaged. Rising water levels along the Mekong River are prompting additional concerns across affected regions.
In light of ongoing challenges, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra convened an urgent meeting to address the flooding crisis and facilitate recovery efforts.
The Meteorological Department has issued forecasts indicating subsequent rainfall across several provinces, raising further concerns in regions already affected by flooding.
