Chiang Mai: An unexpected jolt shook the serene Mae On district yesterday morning as a 3.4-magnitude earthquake rattled the area. The Royal Irrigation Operation (RIO) quickly sprang into action to inspect two key reservoirs close to the quake’s epicenter, aiming to ensure their structural stability during this geological hiccup. RIO director Keaurkul Manasamphankul led the charge, tasking the Maintenance Department with meticulously assessing any potential damage to the Mae On and Mae Takhrai reservoirs located in the bustling tambon Mae Tha.
To everyone’s relief, the inspection crew found both reservoirs unscathed with their structural integrity completely intact. “We’re pleased to report that neither reservoir sustained damage,” Mr. Keaurkul said, catching a collective sigh of relief from the local community.
The earthquake, recorded at a modest 3.4 magnitude, made its presence known at exactly 1:33 am, shaking the ground about a kilometer beneath the surface for a swift five seconds. Despite its brief visit, the quake’s ripple effects were felt far and wide, reaching beyond Muang, San Sai, San Kamphaeng, and Saraphi districts, and even touching parts of neighboring Lamphun province.
While the ground quivered in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai was wrestling with a different form of natural waterworks. The Sai and Chan Rivers bulged over their banks, unleashing torrents of water that swamped communities and markets, especially those near the Myanmar border. The Government Public Relations Department reported that for a second consecutive day, the Sai River’s swell in the Mae Sai district had flooded local areas, casting a watery veil over markets that sit right opposite Myanmar’s Tachileik town.
The bustling Sai Lom Joy Walking Street turned into an impromptu water park amidst the flooding. In the Mae Chan district, the protruding Chan River inundated low-lying areas, affecting venues like the Nuanchan Market. Even in Muang, water wasn’t scarce; runoff from Pong Phrabat Waterfall gushed over a section of Phahon Yothin Road, causing a wet mess adjacent to Chiang Rai Rajabhat University.
The situation escalated as continuous rains from August 5–14 put 16 provinces in a watery predicament, as noted by Surasee Kittimonthon, secretary-general of the National Water Resources (ONWR) office. Chiang Rai was among the quartet of provinces experiencing severe deluge. The ONWR didn’t only report the current flooding, they issued a forward-thinking flash flood warning in risk-prone areas, following a disconcerting forecast by the Thai Meteorological Department predicting two storms barreling towards Thailand.
So, while Chiang Mai preserved its water reserves with a sigh of relief after a minor quake, Chiang Rai was left grappling with Mother Nature’s unpredictable waterworks, painting a vivid snapshot of the region’s dynamic and ever-fluctuating challenges. Whether it’s shaking ground or rising waters, it’s clear that these Thai provinces are no strangers to the elements’ whims, continuously rising to the occasion with resilience and preparedness.
I’m relieved to hear the reservoirs weren’t damaged. It’s a testament to the engineering quality!
Sure, but a 3.4 quake is hardly a stress test. What happens if we face a big one?
True, but it’s a good confirmation that they’re likely sound. We can’t always prepare for the extreme cases.
Patrisko, engineering standards are designed with a margin of safety. 3.4 is small, but still reassuring.
But what about the long-term structural stability? Even small quakes can cause unseen damage over time.
Flooding in Chiang Rai sounds devastating. Wonder if enough has been done to prevent such issues.
They’ve been warning about heavy rains, but it seems like the infrastructure isn’t coping well.
Government should invest more in flood prevention rather than just responding to crises.
Exactly, proactive measures can save so much more than reactive ones.
I can’t believe how different Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai’s experiences are this week. Nature is unpredictable!
That’s life in these regions—quakes and floods are part of the deal.
The confluence of natural disasters can strain resources in unimaginable ways. I hope the local governments coordinate effectively.
While we’re focusing on the reservoirs, let’s not forget the people affected by the floods! They need help now.
I’m sure many are stepping up to help, but coordinated efforts are always better.
Definitely! Hopefully, local organizations mobilize quickly.
It’s alarming how quickly things can change. From droughts to floods—what’s next?
That’s the reality of climate change. Preparedness and resilience need to be our focus.
Chiang Rai gets hit by floods every year. Why is the government always caught off guard?
Good point. There’s a clear pattern, yet the response always seems ad-hoc.
I was in Mae Tha when the quake hit. Scary moments but glad to hear the reservoirs are safe.
Mae Tha must have felt it strongly. Nature sure knows how to remind us who’s boss.
By the way, I heard some neighborhoods in Chiang Mai didn’t even feel the quake. It shows how variable these events can be.
Is it just me, or does it seem like these natural events are becoming more frequent? Are we really doing enough about climate change?
No, Lydia, it’s not just you. The frequency and intensity of these events are increasing.
Indeed, climate change is a significant factor. Our response needs to match the escalating risk.
The flood warnings are crucial, but how effective are they if people don’t listen or can’t evacuate in time?
Can the forecasted storms cause landslides too? That would be an even bigger disaster on top of the floods.
Landslides are a real concern, especially in hilly areas. We need to be prepared for multiple scenarios.
The relentless rains are a sign that our weather patterns are drastically changing. Are the officials even listening to the scientists?
Scientists have been issuing warnings for years, but effective policy changes are slow.
It’s frustrating. A faster response could save lives and reduce damages.
It’s heartbreaking to think of how many families are displaced by these floods.
Will international aid be necessary if the situation worsens? What’s the protocol for such events?
International aid could indeed be required, particularly if additional storms hit the region.