There seems to be no respite for the resilient folks residing in Thailand’s North and Northeast regions as vast amounts of water continue to swamp their landscapes. On a recent Saturday, a somewhat surprising yet dramatic scene unfolded—a two-kilometer stretch of Highway 29 in Nong Ki district, Buri Ram, vanished beneath a relentless flood. The rush of Mother Nature continued unabated, presenting more than just a spectacle as residents watched in awe and concern. (Photo: Surachai Piragsa)
Fast forward to Sunday, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation had a sobering update ready. Despite the dreamy beauty of the weekend, no fewer than 20 provinces found themselves in Mother Nature’s grip, mostly clustered around the picturesque North and Northeast regions. A staggering 30,000-plus families were having anything but a restful Sunday as the waters stubbornly lingered. The department painted the grand scale of the deluge, as it swept across names familiar and evocative—Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Buri Ram, and several more, from the revered Chiang Mai to the industrious Udon Thani. In total, 34,373 families were grappling with this watery intrusion.
Closer to the modern yet heritage-rich northern province of Chiang Mai, it wasn’t merely the local landscapes soaking in the floodwaters. The roads, mighty paths of connection such as the Chiang Mai-Lamphun and Chiang Mai-Lampang, were engulfed, sapping their bustling pulse under the weight of the deep floodwaters. Chaos met tranquility as vehicles floundered, and residents discovered new, albeit temporary, definitions for ‘roadside swimming’.
These natural calamities were no fleeting fancy. From the heart of August through the golden weeks of early October—spanning from August 16 to October 6—Mother Nature’s whimsical waves affected a sweeping 42 provinces and left a sorrowful mark with the loss of 26 lives. The figures are stark, yet behind them lies a tapestry of stories, courage, resilience, and the undying spirit of communities rising to face the shared adversities. As waters rise, so does the unwavering human spirit, finding strength in each other and beginning anew with each dawn, determined to return standing strong against the tempestuous tides.
It’s heartbreaking to see this constant flood devastation in Thailand. Climate change is clearly getting out of hand.
Climate change? Really? These floods have happened for centuries. It’s just nature’s way.
Nature’s way perhaps, but the intensity and frequency are undoubtedly increasing. That’s undeniable.
Tom, it’s not just about the past; we have to focus on the future and protect these communities!
The government should have a better flood management system in place by now. This happens every year!
Agreed, but the corruption in the government never put infrastructure first, only their pockets.
Let’s not oversimplify. It’s a complex issue involving climate, geography, and resources.
Instead of complainin’, people should help plant trees and restore natural barriers.
Trees take years to grow. We need immediate solutions, not just planting ideas.
Immediate actions are obviously needed too, but let’s think long-term as well!
My thoughts are with the families affected. Anyone have ideas on how to help them directly?
There are several local NGOs taking donations. Look for ones that are verified and legit.
Thanks, I’ll definitely look into it. Wish I could do more from afar.
Comparing these floods to those in other parts of the world, I think Thailand’s resilience is commendable.
Commendable? It’s tragic and repetitive. They need more international aid.
I agree they need help, but resilience and strength in adversity deserve recognition too.
Seeing the highway submerged is surreal. We never experience this in my country.
I wonder if these floods will lead to more sustainable living practices in the region.
One can hope, but people usually forget too quickly once the waters recede.
It’s a shame that it often takes tragedy to open the eyes of those in power.
With climate change, it’s time we start planning major city relocations. These regions aren’t sustainable.
Relocating entire cities is a massive endeavor. Mitigation might be more feasible.
The loss of 26 lives is tragic. We need better early warning systems for these events.
True, but it’s also about educating the people on how to react during these times.
Floods are good for the crops, my rice fields are flourishing!
Clearly, infrastructure spending needs to be ramped up to prevent these disasters.
Aren’t the taxes high enough there? Where’s all that money going?
Exactly my point, Pepe. Proper allocation of funds would make a difference.