Chiang Mai Prepares for Storm Wipha: Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn Leads Emergency Response

In the serene northern reaches of Thailand, unexpected turbulence brews as Chiang Mai braces for an oncoming tempest of imposing vigor. With storm Wipha on a direct trajectory, this northern province stands vigilant, marking the urgency with an intensified mobilization of emergency protocols. Under the astute vigilance of Provincial Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, a swift transformation has been enacted: the establishment of a persistent Emergency Command Centre primed to navigate the crisis as it unfolds.

Anticipation crackles in the air as forecasters, with meticulous precision, predict unrelenting downpours, especially targeting Chiang Mai’s more elevated terrains. Exuding confidence entwined with care, Governor Nirat proclaims, “We are fully prepared.” In this harmonized effort, multiple units coordinate seamlessly, pledging a steadfast commitment to securing public safety in the face of nature’s impending fury.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) has issued specific alerts for districts poised in Wipha’s path—Mae Ai, Fang, Chai Prakan, Wiang Haeng, Chiang Dao, and Phrao, the designated bullseye for the storm’s wrath. The nerve center of this endeavor—set up at the Smart Water Centre attuned to each pulsation of the storm—is actively steering operations from the Irrigation Office 1, diligently monitoring around the clock. Adding layers of readiness, a secondary hub stands by at the P.1 water level monitoring station near Navarat Bridge, ensuring that information remains at the fingertips of those in need.

Adventurers of the heart and guardians of the land, officials have methodically prepared for potential evacuations, ushering in over 40 shelters ready to embrace more than 20,000 souls seeking refuge. Meanwhile, a sprawling enclave of over 10,000 parking spaces opens its arms to houses of mechanical steel, shielding them from the tempest’s raging torrents. The lifeline of communication remains agile and alert on the 1567 hotline embodying, now more than ever, accessible assistance, 24 hours a day.

Today, July 23, promises to test Chiang Mai with an unyielding deluge, the monsoon’s vengeful hand poised mid-strike. Yet, this meteorological ballet appears set for an encore, with predictions that the monsoon’s grip will linger, an inadvertent guest overstaying its welcome, until July 29. Eyeing the stages of this downpour drama, officials harbor focused concern for potential flood surges from the northern highlands; a drama scheduled to premiere around July 26-27, casting its watery spell upon the Ping River and the city.

In this intricate dance of rain and readiness, the Chiang Mai Irrigation Office 1 reassures patrons of its proactive measures. The reservoirs, like vigilant sentinels, lie in wait—capacity unbreached. With eloquent certainty, they assert, “Water levels are under control for now,” assuaging fears with assurances tempered by rigorous observation. The Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam, with a stoic grace, maintains its depth, prepared to cradle an additional 126 million cubic meters, even as each storm front meditates on contributing its share of 40 to 50 million cubic meters.

As the skies over Chiang Mai hold their foreboding canvas, etched with tension and expectations, a harmony of readiness resounds. Engaging with nature’s unpredictable sonnet, the province stands not in defiance but in symbiosis—each measure mindful, each step deliberate—a dance of men and nature entwined in an age-old narrative always turned towards safety and resilience.