Heavy rain breach reservoir and bridge in northeast Thailand

Heavy rain wreaked havoc in Maha Sarakham, causing the Huai Chiang Kham Reservoir to develop a significant leak, resulting in a flood that has submerged thousands of rai of paddy fields. The deluge has also led to the collapse of the Huai Chiang Kham Bridge, situated between Ban Kam Pi and Ban Lao Yaw.

Continuous downpours in the Non-Rasi subdistrict, Borabue district, Maha Sarakham province have caused the Huai Chiang Kham Reservoir to rupture, creating a massive breach. The released water has inundated several thousand rai of low-lying rice fields owned by local farmers.

A Facebook page, แจ้งข่าวชาวสารคาม, reported that the floodwaters have also severed the Huai Chiang Kham Bridge, connecting Ban Kam Pi and Ban Lao Yaw in Borabue district, Maha Sarakham. Authorities and relevant agencies are urgently investigating the situation.

“The flood has caused significant damage to the bridge, and local farmers are facing severe losses due to the submerged rice fields. Immediate action is required to assist the affected communities.”

This flooding event follows a period of heavy rainfall that has battered the region, overwhelming the capacity of the Huai Chiang Kham Reservoir. The sudden release of water has devastated agricultural lands, which are crucial for the livelihoods of the local population.

“We are urging residents to move their belongings to higher ground and stay alert for further updates. The situation is critical, and safety measures must be prioritised.”

The incident has prompted a coordinated response from various local and provincial authorities to manage the floodwaters and mitigate the damage. Efforts are being made to repair the breached sections of the reservoir and restore the affected infrastructure.

Flooding relief

In the wake of the disaster, emergency services are on high alert, and relief operations are underway to assist the impacted families. The local government established temporary shelters and is distributing essential supplies to those displaced by the flooding, said a spokesperson.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected residents. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and we are committed to providing all necessary support.”

Residents have been advised to remain vigilant and follow updates from local authorities as the situation develops. The impact of the flood on the agricultural sector is expected to be significant, and recovery efforts will likely require substantial time and resources, reported KhaoSod.

“This is a challenging time for our community, but we are resilient. With the support of the authorities and each other, we will overcome this crisis.”