Flood chaos fears as Chiang Mai braces for storm Wipha
Ping River surge expected as monsoon threat collides with incoming storm deluge
Chiang Mai is on high alert as storm Wipha barrels towards the northern province, prompting the setup of 24-hour emergency operations and shelters for tens of thousands of residents.
Provincial Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn confirmed the launch of a round-the-clock Emergency Command Centre to manage the looming crisis. With weather forecasters warning of intense downpours, particularly in Chiang Mai’s upper districts, officials aren’t taking any chances.
“We are fully prepared,” said Nirat. “All units have been mobilised to ensure rapid response and public safety.”
According to the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), the districts of Mae Ai, Fang, Chai Prakan, Wiang Haeng, Chiang Dao, and Phrao are expected to take the brunt of the storm.
Chiang Mai’s main command hub is now operating out of the Smart Water Centre at the Irrigation Office 1, where officials are monitoring the situation 24/7.
A second centre has been set up at the P.1 water level monitoring station near Navarat Bridge to ensure public accessibility.
For the five upper districts most at risk, a forward command post has also been established at the Fang District Office.
In anticipation of potential evacuations, 40 shelters across the province have been readied to accommodate more than 20,000 people. Meanwhile, over 10,000 parking spaces have been allocated to safeguard residents’ vehicles from flood damage.
Residents can also dial the 1567 hotline, now operating 24 hours a day, to report emergencies or request help.
Chiang Mai is expected to be hit hardest by rainfall today, July 23, with the impact intensified by the southwest monsoon. While the rain may taper off in the following days, the monsoon is forecast to linger until July 29, The Nation reported.
Officials are particularly concerned about water flow from northern highlands, which could surge into the Ping River and Chiang Mai City July 26-27.
The Chiang Mai Irrigation Office 1 has reassured the public that the region’s reservoirs are equipped to handle the storm surge. The Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam alone has room for an additional 126 million cubic metres of water, with each storm typically contributing 40 to 50 million cubic metres.
“Water levels are under control for now,” officials said, “but we’re watching everything closely.”
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