Landslide in Chiang Mai leaves 2 dead, and many stranded

Heavy rain and a subsequent landslide struck Chiang Mai province in northern Thailand yesterday, September 10, resulting in the deaths of two residents, including a young child. Many residents in the area were left stranded by the floods.

Following continuous heavy rain from September 8 until yesterday, two landslides occurred in the Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai. The first incident took place in the Ban Doi Laem community along Highway No. 1314.

The sudden landslide claimed the life of 23 year old Thai woman, Kayarat Pafu. Four other locals were reported missing, including two children aged five months, and four years old

Another landslide hit the Ban Lai Ai community in Chiang Mai. One resident was killed, while another was left injured. Their identities were not disclosed.

Rain continued to fall in the area, causing a power failure. The area also experienced a lack of phone signal, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach and assist those in need.

As a result, many people were stranded by the floods. An elderly pork vendor was seen sitting in the rain on the roof of his stall in Mai Lung Khon Market, which had been surrounded by floodwater for over 10 hours. The flood levels continued to rise, and the current was too strong for the rescue team to reach him.

A resident living in a building near the vendor’s stall provided regular updates on social media. Famous Thai actress Panadda Wongphudee and provincial administration officers are attempting to reach the area where the elderly pork vendor is stranded.

Rescue teams reported in the evening that the body of a young child had been found floating in the floodwaters but identification had not yet been made.

According to the latest update from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Chiang Mai is not the only province affected by the ongoing heavy rain. Other provinces impacted by flooding include Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Ang Thong, and Ayutthaya, affecting a total of 14,328 households.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, urged the provincial governors of both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to closely monitor the flood situation and focus on helping people who are stranded by the floods.