Heavy rainfall triggers flood and landslide alert within Phu Chi Fa National Park
Chiang Rai, Thailand, is currently under weather warnings for flash floods and landslides due to heavy and persistent monsoon rains intensified by Tropical Storm Vipa and a strong monsoon trough across northern Thailand. These weather conditions are causing widespread heavy rainfall and increasing risks in the region.
The intensified monsoon trough combined with Tropical Storm Vipa is bringing heavy rains and strong winds over northern Thailand, including Chiang Rai. The monsoon system is causing rainfall exceeding normal levels, sometimes above 750 mm in affected areas, leading to flash floods and soil saturation, which can trigger landslides.
The Department of Meteorology is using ECMWF weather models and observations to forecast persistent rain until around July 24, highlighting a prolonged period of heavy precipitation.
Chiang Rai itself, along with neighboring northern provinces such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, are experiencing scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rain and thunderstorms. Other northern provinces like Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit are also affected. The upper Northeast and parts of the central region are under similar warnings for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides.
Heavy rains and the potential for flash floods are expected to continue from mid-July into late July, gradually alternating between light and heavy rainfall periods as the monsoon strengthens over the upper North. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued urgent alerts for 33 provinces including Chiang Rai, warning of possible flash floods, forest runoff, landslides, and rising river levels, particularly the Mekong River.
Public advisories stress staying updated on weather warnings, avoiding risky areas prone to flash floods and landslides, and preparing for sudden weather changes as Tropical Storm Vipa affects the region. Residents in low-lying areas of the affected subdistricts are urged to monitor official updates closely.
The National Park and Disaster Prevention departments have issued a warning for flash floods and landslides near Phu Chi Fa National Park in Chiang Rai, Thailand. The Irrigation Department is on high alert due to record rainfall in Chiang Rai, and some agricultural areas have been flooded in the inspected areas.
The Pollution Control Department in Chiang Rai has issued a warning to check arsenic levels in river sediment, and once the water recedes, further damage assessments will be conducted in the affected areas. The Thoeng District Chief and relevant authorities have inspected a temporary bridge in Ban Pang Ka, Moo 8, Tab Tao Subdistrict, and Ngaw Subdistrict, following 130 millimetres of rainfall over 24 hours.
Despite heavy rain overnight, no significant damage to homes has been reported in the inspected areas. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has sent out a Cell Broadcast alert for flash floods and debris flows in Tab Tao Subdistrict and Ngaw Subdistrict in Thoeng District, Chiang Rai.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to exercise caution and monitor official weather updates closely to ensure their safety during this period of heavy rain and potential flooding.
- The heavy rains caused by the monsoon trough and Tropical Storm Vipa have not only influenced Chiang Rai's weather but also the culture and daily life of its residents, as they closely follow weather updates for safety reasons.
- As the flash floods and landslides pose environmental risks, Thailand's environmental-science experts are analyzing the impacts on soil, water, and wildlife in affected regions with the help of general-news media.
- The politics of Chiang Rai and other affected provinces are under pressure due to the heavy rainfall, as officials prioritize relief operations and infrastructure repair, ensuring the wellbeing of their citizens amid the ongoing weather crisis.
