The serene Kok River transformed into a raging torrent, spilling over into Chiang Rai’s Muang district on a precarious Wednesday morning. (Photo: Public Relations Department)
Relentless rainstorms have wreaked havoc across the upper North, triggering rivers to surge beyond their banks, unleashing devastating floods and landslides. Tragically, four souls have been lost, four have been injured, and five remain unaccounted for in the chaos.
Chiang Rai, Thailand’s northernmost province, finds itself in the throes of this deluge. Disaster mitigation teams reported severe flooding in tambon Mae Sai, tambon Wiang Pang Kham, and tambon Koh Chang of Mae Sai district. With water levels swelling to about a meter high and currents running strong, the situation looks dire.
Residents in the flood-ravaged zones near the engorged Sai River in Mae Sai district have been forewarned, urging them to brace for possible evacuation.
Over in Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Nong National Park, still etched in global memory from the gripping cave rescue mission of 2018, floodwaters were seen pouring out of Tham Luang Cave this Wednesday.
Grievous news comes from Mae Fah Luang district, where an unforgiving landslide claimed one life, left two severely injured, and another person still missing.
In the epicenter of Muang district, the Kok River has surged into nearby communities, exacerbating the emergency. Local irrigation authorities raised alarms as the Kok River’s flow spiked critically, clocking in at an alarming 1,000 cubic meters per second, aggravated by runoff from Myanmar.
Meanwhile, in Mae Chan district, the Chan and Kham Uen rivers have also succumbed to the relentless rain, spilling into neighborhoods and creating stranded pockets of homes.
Rescue teams, gallantly battling the elements, are on a mission to aid the marooned residents of Chiang Rai. Pleas for help flood social media, with people sharing desperate photos of their waterlogged homes.
The powerful currents are hampering rescue efforts. Authorities advise those affected by the floods to seek refuge on higher ground and avoid attempting to wade through the perilous waters.
In Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai, tragedy struck as two landslides demolished parts of tambon Doi Laem on Tuesday. The catastrophe claimed three lives, left another person injured, and four people remained missing as of Wednesday.
Communities in nearby districts have been put on high alert for potential flash floods and turbulent runoff.
Painfully captured by Panadda Wongphudee, this video shows the furious waves from the overflowing Sai River in Mae Sai district, illustrating the true force of nature’s wrath on that foreboding Wednesday.
I can’t believe this is happening again in Thailand! The government really needs to invest in better infrastructure.
Totally agree. But do we have the budget for it? The country has other pressing issues too.
Well, other countries seem to manage it. Why can’t we? It’s a matter of priorities.
Exactly, Eric! We can’t keep ignoring these disasters.
It’s not just about budget; it’s about planning and foresight. Floods are predictable, yet we always seem caught off guard.
Why do people even live in these flood-prone areas? Seems like asking for trouble.
Easy to say when you’re not the one having to choose between a risky home and no home at all.
It’s their ancestral land. People have strong ties to their roots.
That’s just ignorant, grower134! Not everyone has the choice to relocate. Have some empathy.
The real issue here is climate change. Until we address that, these floods will keep happening and getting worse.
Oh, here we go again with the climate change talk. These floods have been happening forever.
Science says otherwise, Sam. Climate change is real and it makes these events more frequent and severe.
My heart goes out to the families of the victims. It’s utterly tragic.
It’s heartbreaking. We need more international aid and solidarity in these times.
Sadly, thoughts and prayers are not going to rebuild homes or bring back the lost lives. Real action is needed.
It’s unreal seeing Tham Luang Cave with floods. Weren’t we just celebrating those boys being rescued a few years back?
Indeed. Nature’s fury doesn’t pause for anyone. We need to remember this and build better defenses.
That cave has now witnessed two extremes—a miraculous rescue and now this devastating flood. It’s like a symbol of resilience and tragedy.
Losses because of flooding are becoming more common. Maybe it’s time to rethink how we build our cities.
Over-relying on rescue teams is not a sustainable solution. We need preventive measures.
Prevention costs money, which we never seem to have enough of. Priorities, right?
Exactly! And the costs of after-the-fact rescue and repair are always higher. We need to think long-term.
Yeah, but try convincing any government to think beyond the next election cycle.
The pictures on social media are heart-wrenching. How can we help?
Local charities and international aid groups are already mobilizing. Donate, spread awareness, anything helps.
I just donated to the Thai Red Cross. Hopefully, it will make a small difference.
Why is no one talking about the river flow from Myanmar? That’s where the runoff is coming from.
Good point. Regional cooperation on water management is crucial.
It’s a complex issue when two countries’ policies intermingle. Who takes responsibility?
Exactly, but ignoring it won’t make it go away. We need bilateral talks and solutions.
I was there two years ago; it’s sad to see such a beautiful place in this state.
Floods in Thailand are not new, but the frequency and severity are increasing. Something’s got to give.
Nature is unpredictable, sure, but we can’t keep acting surprised every time this happens.