Flood warnings issued due to heavy rainfall. Chiang Mai city deals with run-off concerns, causing national park to be shut down.
Heavy rainfall in Chiang Mai, Thailand, has caused flash flood warnings and prompted park closures, as several districts struggle with critical rainfall levels.
Overnight and into Sunday morning, intense downpours saturated the province, leading to warnings of flash floods and runoff in numerous regions. Local officials have urged residents and tourists to exercise caution.
The Mae Rim district was issued a yellow-level warning after recording 103 millimetres of rainfall within 12 hours. In response, swimming was prohibited at Mae Sa Waterfall in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park due to fears of sudden runoff. The park remained open to visitors under monitoring.
Ob Khan National Park, however, was closed to all tourists and campers due to the increased risk of runoff and flooding. Run-off warnings were also issued to communities along Khan Creek.
The Chom Thong district experienced significant flooding along the Mae Klang River, with water levels rapidly rising and approaching disaster thresholds. This led to evacuations overnight and landslide-induced road damage. Other districts under flood alert include Samoeng, where landslides are also possible.
The flooding situation is not restricted to Chiang Mai but is affecting other northern provinces as well due to heavy rain from the monsoon. Though specific park closures have not been reported, heavy rain and flooding with landslides in areas like Doi Inthanon may lead to closures or restricted access for safety concerns.
Residents in affected areas have been warned to closely monitor water levels, evacuate when necessary, and exercise caution due to ongoing risks from flash floods and landslides. Emergency and rescue teams are actively assisting residents in these areas.
- Despite the ongoing challenges with flash floods and runoff in the sports and recreation sector, such as park closures, the stock market seems to be holding steady, reflecting a resilient business and economy.
- Meanwhile, weather-forecasting agencies are closely monitoring the sudden downpours and flooding in Chiang Mai and other northern provinces, working tirelessly to provide accurate and timely updates for the benefit of the public.
- As the weather remains unpredictable with the ongoing monsoon season, it is advisable for both residents and tourists to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts, especially in regions with high flash flood and landslide risks, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.