Chiang Rai flood recovery 96% complete, set to finish by Monday
Post-flood recovery efforts in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district are nearing completion, according to the government’s operation centre for flood, storm, and landslide victims. Officials stated yesterday, October 18, that all affected communities should see the recovery work finalised by Monday as scheduled.
Jirayu Huangsab, a spokesperson for the centre, provided an update from the forward command in Chiang Rai, indicating that the recovery operations are approximately 96% complete. Residents preparing to return home will benefit from the Ministry of Labour’s initiative to inspect and, if necessary, rewire their electrical systems free of charge.
“The ministry is currently focusing on Mae Sai and will extend its assistance to other districts once the Mae Sai mission is completed.”
In a related effort to bolster flood prevention, Chiang Rai’s sub-committee on navigation and water management decided to form a team to survey communities along the Sai and Ruak rivers. This team will work to improve residents’ understanding of the necessity for a new 5-kilometre flood wall, which will extend from the second Thai-Myanmar friendship bridge to Pha Chom cave.
“The sub-committee’s resolution will be reported to the Thailand-Myanmar joint committee on the fixed boundary for the Sai and Ruak rivers during their meeting in December.”
Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been actively assisting the recovery efforts. Since September 19, BMA has deployed 85 workers and heavy equipment to support 13 flood-affected areas in Chiang Rai. Their teams have successfully removed 4,100 cubic metres of mud, with the remaining tasks focused on clearing sediment and debris from several roads in Mueang district, reported Bangkok Post.
In related news, Chiang Mai has shut down its flood relief centre, sparking discontent among locals who claim they have not received the promised aid. Deputy Governor Tosapol Phuanudom announced the closure on Wednesday, October 16, stating that the centre had completed its mission.
