Heavy downpours lead to flooding in Chiang Mai and Lampang provinces
In the northern provinces of Thailand, heavy rainfall has led to flooding in several districts, causing widespread disruptions and affecting thousands of households. As of recent updates, the province of Chiang Mai is not explicitly mentioned as being heavily affected, but neighboring provinces like Lampang are experiencing significant impacts.
The floods have affected communities in the districts of Chai Prakan, Chiang Dao, Doi Saket, Fang, Mae Ai, Mae Taeng, Phrao, and Wiang Haeng in Chiang Mai, as well as in Lampang's Ngao district. Chiang Dao district, particularly in tambons Muang Na and Thung Khao Phuang, was the hardest hit, with rainfall exceeding 100 millimetres during the floods.
In Lampang, flooding was reported in tambon Ban Haeng, tambon Ban Rong, tambon Luang Tai, and tambon Pong Tao. Elderly and bed-ridden people were evacuated in the flood-affected areas. Farmland was also affected by the floods in the districts of Chiang Mai and Lampang.
Authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas to prepare for emergency evacuations and avoid traveling through flooded or landslide-prone routes. Local disaster prevention offices, military units, police, and volunteers are actively involved in providing assistance to affected communities.
Heavy rain on July 12 resulted in flooding in Wang Thong Subdistrict, Wang Nuea District, Lampang, affecting eight households initially. The situation has improved with assistance from local authorities and volunteers.
Provinces like Chiang Rai, Nan, and Phrae are also experiencing flooding due to heavy rainfall. The flooding in these areas is severe, with water levels reaching up to two meters (6.5 feet) in some places. Flash floods and heavy rain have caused widespread disruptions.
Residents throughout the northern provinces are advised to remain vigilant and monitor official updates closely. While Chiang Mai is not highlighted as a severely affected area in the current reports, the region is under alert due to the ongoing weather conditions.
Sources: [1] The Nation Thailand, "Heavy rain causes flooding in northern Thailand," 13 July 2023. [2] Bangkok Post, "Northern Thailand hit by flooding," 13 July 2023. [3] Khaosod English, "Chiang Mai under flood alert as northern Thailand experiences heavy rain," 13 July 2023. [4] Chiang Mai News, "Severe flooding in northern Thailand: A look at affected areas and evacuation efforts," 13 July 2023.
The flooding in the northern provinces of Thailand has expanded to include not only regions like Lampang but also several districts within Chiang Mai, such as Chai Prakan, Chiang Dao, Doi Saket, Fang, Mae Ai, Mae Taeng, Phrao, and Wiang Haeng. Similarly, the environmental science behind these weather events highlights a growing concern for the impacts of heavy rainfall on communities and farmland in the region.
