Ping River on the rise: Chiang Mai braces for watery wake-up call
Chiang Mai braces for more flooding today as the Ping River is set to reach 4.95 metres, starting in the morning.
Heavy rainfall in upstream areas has caused a rapid rise in the Ping River, according to Governor Nirat Pongsitthithaworn. He urged residents along the river to relocate their vehicles and valuables to higher ground. Hospitals and clinics in low-lying areas have been instructed to move bedridden patients to safer locations if evacuations are necessary.
Local officials have been mobilised to assist those in need and to strengthen flood-prone areas with barriers and sandbags. Engineers from Chiang Mai municipality monitor the riverbank and are prepared to reinforce any weak spots in flood defences.
A flash flood hit Mae Rim district at 3am yesterday, October 3, following heavy rain, damaging several houses and resorts in Rim Nua subdistrict. The Ping River’s depth at Nawarat Bridge in the Mueang district reached a critical level of 4.2 metres at 4pm, up from 3.45 metres on Monday, September 30.
In neighbouring Chiang Rai, the Mae Sai River overflowed near the first Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge in Mae Sai district at 9am yesterday after a downpour that began on Wednesday, October 2. National Highway 118 and parts of Wieang Pa Pao district in Chiang Rai also experienced flooding.
Mae Hong Son governor Chucheep Pongchai ordered officials to inspect flooded areas, including the Long-Necked Karen community in the Pha Bong subdistrict, Mueang district. Loei also reported inundation, with flash floods affecting several residential and farming areas in Ban Nam Chan and Ban Kaeng Hin communities in Wang Saphung district.
The Meteorological Department of Thailand announced that downpours in the northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions are expected to ease today due to a cold front from China moving over Thailand. However, the western part of the North should prepare for more heavy rain until October 12, as the cold front weakens over the area, reported Bangkok Post.
