Chiang Mai launches cleanup after floods ease in commercial areas

Workers have launched a campaign to clean roads and remove debris in downtown Chiang Mai following the easing of floods in some commercial areas.

Chiang Mai Municipality initiated the operation at 5pm yesterday, September 27 to revive economic activity in the bustling northern tourism hub. The effort is divided into five zones, including areas near the Naowarat Bridge and the popular Night Bazaar.

A key focus is the collection of debris and garbage brought into the city by floodwaters from the Ping River, which had breached its banks.

Despite improvements in some areas targeted for cleaning, the municipality urged residents to remain vigilant. The Ping River is still marked with a red flag, indicating that water levels are at or near a critical point.

At 5pm, the river depth at the Naowarat Bridge was measured at 4.23 metres, fluctuating around that level since 8am.

The provincial irrigation office estimated that about 3 million cubic metres of floodwater remain in the city, with drainage expected to take approximately two days.

Chiang Mai University experienced flooding on the campus yesterday morning due to runoff from rain on Doi Suthep. However, the university announced in the afternoon that conditions had returned to normal.

“The traffic routes and the CMU Transit service are now operating as usual.”

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is scheduled to visit Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai today. She arrived in Chiang Rai yesterday afternoon and led a meeting with officials to coordinate aid for those affected by the northern floods. Mueang and Mae Sai were among the hardest-hit districts in Chiang Rai.

Northern train services to Chiang Mai remain suspended at Lampang station, with passengers required to take buses provided by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to Lamphun and Chiang Mai, reported Bangkok Post.

The SRT announced it would fully refund all advanced train tickets booked for travel from September 26 to 30.