Flood-mitigation plan unveiled for Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai

The Transport Ministry is preparing to unveil a detailed flood-mitigation strategy for Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai during a mobile Cabinet session scheduled for Friday in Chiang Mai.

Transport Permanent Secretary Chayatan Phromsorn revealed the plan yesterday, November 25, following last week’s meeting of a dedicated task force assembled to devise protective measures against future floods and landslides in these northern provinces.

The task force has strongly recommended that local agencies employ data analysis instruments, such as Digital Elevation Models (DEMs), to thoroughly understand the region’s topography, transport networks, river capacities, and urban development. This analysis aims to pinpoint critical areas requiring intervention.

A variety of both short-term and long-term initiatives are included in the plan, projected to span a five-year implementation period. To mitigate structural causes of floods and landslides, the task force has advocated for regular dredging to remove sediment from waterways and the demolition of structures obstructing the natural flow of rivers and canals.

Additionally, the task force has urged the government to enhance its emergency response capabilities by acquiring more equipment. They have also stressed the importance of establishing effective early warning systems and upgrading communication channels in the affected areas.

Chayatan revealed that the task force has also considered strategic plans for key river basins in the area, focusing on the Ping River basin in Chiang Mai and the Kok and Sai rivers in Chiang Rai.

In this effort, the Marine Department, alongside local agencies, has conducted inspections to identify areas requiring further dredging and waterway improvements. These insights will be part of the proposal at the mobile Cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai tomorrow.

Efforts to manage the challenges along the Sai River have seen collaboration between Thailand and Myanmar. The Thailand-Myanmar Joint Boundary Committee convened its third meeting in Bangkok earlier this month, leading to a bilateral agreement.

Both nations have committed to increasing the Sai and Ruak rivers’ capacities through dredging and removing encroaching structures, reported Bangkok Post.