River on the rampage: Chiang Rai braces for dangerous floods
Mekong surge adds fresh fears as officials urge constant vigilance
Chiang Rai residents were jolted awake by urgent phone alerts today as local officials warned the Sai River was set to burst its banks, threatening to inundate homes and businesses across four communities.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) confirmed that water levels have been steadily climbing at monitoring stations in Myanmar’s Jotada and near Thailand’s 1st Friendship Bridge. Officials said flooding was to begin as early as 8am today, July 4, prompting a scramble to protect lives and property.
“The situation is critical,” a DDPM spokesperson said. “Residents in low-lying areas must stay vigilant and prepare to move vulnerable family members to safety.”
The four areas most at risk in Mae Sai district are:
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Sai Lom Choi community, Village 1, Wiang Phang Kham subdistrict
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Koh Sai community, Village 7, Mae Sai subdistrict
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Mai Lung Khon community, Mae Sai subdistrict
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Mueang Daeng community, Mae Sai subdistrict
To get the message out fast, DDPM joined forces with AIS, True, and National Telecom to issue emergency Cell Broadcast alerts to every mobile phone in the affected zones.
Residents were urged to monitor official updates closely and take special care to protect the elderly, children, and bedridden patients who may need extra help evacuating.
“If you see rising water or need urgent assistance, please call our 24-hour hotline at 1784 or reach us on Line at @1784DDPM,” the spokesperson said.
While locals braced for potential disaster, the Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR) also issued a separate warning about the Mekong River, where heavy rainfall downstream of China’s Jinghong Dam is pushing levels higher, reported The Nation.
According to ONWR forecasts, the Mekong could rise between 0.8 and 1.2 metres around Chiang Saen district this weekend (July 5–6).
However, the agency sought to calm fears, stating, “This increase will not cause the river to overflow.”
Still, ONWR has told all relevant officials to remain on high alert and urged boat operators and riverside communities to take extra precautions.
Local officials are now coordinating sandbag distribution, evacuation plans, and emergency shelters in case the worst happens.
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