PUBLISHED: 13 Sep 2024 at 14:04
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has directed authorities to expedite assistance for individuals affected by severe flooding in the Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai, where relentless water currents pose significant hurdles for rescue operations.
During a briefing in Mae Sai, the Prime Minister emphasized the urgency of delivering food and water supplies to residents stranded in their homes and highlighted the necessity of safeguarding all personnel involved in the relief efforts.
The government has allocated a dedicated budget to provide immediate support to flood victims, eliminating the need to delay aid until conditions improve.
Mae Sai is grappling with some of the most severe flooding, as rising waters from the Sai River and runoff have overwhelmed the area. Many regions in the border town, directly across from Thachilek in Myanmar, remain isolated, with jet skis currently being the only means to transport food and essential items to residents.
Despite disruption to airline services, which canceled flights to Chiang Rai on Thursday, operations resumed on Friday as conditions began to stabilize.
Although officials anticipate that floodwaters may begin to recede later today, they have reported that the situation remains critical in the city and surrounding regions still submerged from heavy rains earlier in the week.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai inspect the Sai River on the Thai-Myanmar bridge in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province.
The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has confirmed at least four deaths due to flooding and landslides across six districts in Chiang Rai, impacting approximately 45,300 households.
Additionally, the checkpoint between Mae Sai and Thachilek has reopened for pedestrian crossings, following its closure due to the flooding, although vehicle traffic remains prohibited. This checkpoint connects the two regions via the first Thai-Myanmar bridge over the Sai River.
