Torrential downpours in northern Thailand cause persisting floods
Flooding and Landslide Warnings Issued Across Multiple Provinces in North and Northeast Thailand
Heavy rainfall, driven by the southwest monsoon and tropical storms, has led to a surge in river levels across several provinces in Thailand's North and Northeast regions. This has resulted in flood warnings and landslide alerts for numerous areas, as authorities urge residents to take precautions.
Affected Provinces
The provinces currently at risk include Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Nong Bua Lamphu, Sakon Nakhon, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun.
Rising River Levels and Overflows
In Chiang Rai, the Kok River has reached a critical level, prompting alerts for residents along the riverbank to move their belongings to higher ground. The water level in tambon Rim Kok has risen to 4.82 metres. In tambon Mae Yao, the measuring gauge recorded a water level of 6.11 metres. The main locations likely to be affected in Chiang Rai are tambon Huai Chom Phu Mae Yao Doi Hang Wiang and Rim Kok.
In the North, the Pai River in Mae Hong Son has also exceeded its critical level, causing the river to overflow into agricultural areas of villagers in tambon Pang Moo and Pha Bong.
In the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom, the Mekong River has surpassed its critical level of 12 metres, flooding Sawan Chai Kong Road in Muang district for five kilometres. As a result, vendors and residents in Muang district have had to relocate their property due to the flooding.
Flash Flood Risk and Landslide Warnings
Flash flood risk and landslide warnings have been issued for mountainous and forest runoff-prone areas. Officials have been controlling dam water releases from the Mae Faek and Mae Wang Tan dams to reduce flood impact in community areas like Chiang Mai.
Contributing Factors
The heavy rainfall is a result of the prevailing southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, as well as a low-pressure system over Laos and Vietnam. Additional rainfall has been triggered by tropical storms, such as Tropical Storm Wipha moving near northeastern provinces. Monsoonal intensification has caused flash floods and river overflows, amplified by accumulated precipitation in highland and low-lying zones.
Precautions and Advice
Residents, especially those in low-lying and river-adjacent areas, are urged to take precautions. Motorists are advised to check their routes before traveling in Nan due to the road conditions. Evacuation was deemed unnecessary in Mae Hong Son despite the river overflow. Floodwater in communities in Chiang Rai's Mae Sai district was lower but left debris including timbers. In previously affected areas in Nan, persistent rain has caused forest runoff and cracked roads, especially in Chaloem Phra Kiat district.
[1] Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (2021). Flood and Landslide Warnings Issued in Multiple Provinces. [online] Available at: https://dpm.go.th/th/news/2691
[2] Chiang Rai Times (2021). Flood Alert for Chiang Rai. [online] Available at: https://www.chiangraitimes.com/2021/09/14/flood-alert-for-chiang-rai/
[3] Mae Hong Son News (2021). Pai River Overflows in Mae Hong Son. [online] Available at: https://www.maehongsonews.com/2021/09/pai-river-overflows-in-mae-hong-son/
[4] Nong Khai News (2021). Flooding in Nong Khai. [online] Available at: https://www.nongkhaithai.com/2021/09/flooding-in-nong-khai/
[5] The Bangkok Post (2021). Tropical Storm Wipha Causes Early Flooding. [online] Available at: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2006808/tropical-storm-wipha-causes-early-flooding
- The flooding and landslide warnings issued across multiple provinces in North and Northeast Thailand are primarily triggered by heavy rainfall, driven by the southwest monsoon and tropical storms like Tropical Storm Wipha, which contribute to environmental-science phenomena such as river overflows and flash floods.
- In the affected provinces, including Chiang Rai, the Kok River, and the Pai River in Mae Hong Son, science can predict critical river levels and advise individuals on precautions, such as moving belongings to higher ground or temporarily relocating property due to flooding.
