PUBLISHED : 18 Aug 2024 at 13:51
CHIANG RAI: A significant downpour caused the Sai River to overflow, leading to severe flooding in the Mae Sai district late Saturday night. The floods were exacerbated by heavy rains and water runoff from Myanmar’s Shan State.
This marked the fourth instance of flooding at the Sai Lom Joy market this year, and the third occurrence within a week, with levels reported at 1.00-1.50 metres underwater.
In addition to the market, surrounding communities along the Sai River experienced flooding, including Koh Sai-Koh Sawan and Mueang Daeng communities, as well as the Mai Lung Khon market.
The combination of persistent heavy rain and extensive water runoff from catchment areas in Myanmar caused extensive overflow. Adjacent Tachileik town, directly across the river, also faced flooding.
Further impacts were felt in Phaya Mengrai district, where the Tak River overflowed into Ban Thung Chao village, resulting in floodwaters exceeding one metre at Wat Boonyawat.
The Office of National Water Resources reported rainfall levels of 120 millimetres in the area over the previous 24 hours.
In Thoeng district, a landslide affected access to Phu Chi Fa National Park, while 15 villages in Wiang Chai district faced runoff damage across tambon Don Sila and tambon Pha Ngam.
Mae Lao district reported overflow from an irrigation canal affecting four villages in tambon Bua Salee and tambon Pa Kor Dam. Additionally, in Chiang Saen district, the Kham and Kok rivers overflowed into seven villages in tambon Pa Sak and tambon Sri Don Moon.
Local disaster management authorities stated that approximately 2,000 households have been impacted by the flooding. They anticipate that flooding will subside in the coming days, provided that rain does not persist.
