Severe floods strike Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai, causing road damage
Torrential rain leaves Northern Thailand's Chiang Mai province grappling with floods and landslides
Severe weather, marked by continuous rainfall, has triggered flash floods and landslides in parts of Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand since Monday night. The Mae Klang River is especially affected, with some roads being cut off in districts along its course.
The water level at the Chom Thong district measuring gauge reached 3.8 meters deep on Tuesday morning. The deluge was notably boosted by forest runoff from Doi Inthanon, which started flowing into the river since 2:30 am on Tuesday, alongside water from the Mae Hoi and Mae Ya canals.
The hardest-hit area is Ban Mae Klang community, Village 4 (tambon Ban Luang), where residents were forced to evacuate their homes overnight with assistance from local authorities and rescue teams. The water level was measured at 3.863 meters by 7 am, close to the disaster threshold of 4.5 meters, with the water continuing to rise and spilling over onto certain roads.
Meanwhile, in Chiang Dao district, a road near the Chao Pho Luang Lham Daeng Shrine in Tambon Mae Na, leading to Muang Khong village, was obstructed by a landslide. The road was temporarily closed, necessitating immediate repairs, and motorists were advised to verify their travel routes before setting out.
The incessant rainfall continues to pose a threat to the region, with authorities urging residents in at-risk areas to stay on high alert. Roads have been damaged or severed, leading to traffic rerouting and increased public safety measures. Local officials, emergency services, and volunteers are actively involved in relief and rescue operations during this critical period.
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued warnings of isolated heavy to very heavy downpours, increasing the risk of further flooding and landslides in Chiang Mai and other northern provinces. The resilience of the community in the face of adversity and the cooperation between authorities and local residents remain key in managing the evolving crisis.
Environmental science experts are closely monitoring the weather patterns in Chiang Mai province, observing how continuous rainfall could impact the regional environment. The surge in rainwater, combined with runoff from areas like Doi Inthanon, has increased the risk of additional flooding and landslides in the environmental-science domain.
