Heavy rainfall continues to cause devastation across Northern Thailand, with severe flooding and landslides reported in multiple provinces. Efforts to rescue stranded residents and provide relief supplies are ongoing as authorities rush to mitigate the impact of the disaster.
On the evening of September 11, 2024, continuous heavy rainfall across Chiang Rai led to flash floods and landslides. The disaster, which began on September 8, has severely impacted five districts, resulting in the deaths of three people and injuries to two others. The affected areas include 20 sub-districts and 46 villages, leaving over 10,499 households in need of urgent assistance.
Chiang Rai’s governor, Phuttiphong Sirimat, activated emergency response teams to deploy equipment, machinery, and personnel. Despite their preparedness, the relentless rain caused flash floods in several areas, including Muang, Chiang Saen, Chiang Khong, Mae Chan, and Mae Fah Luang districts. It has been described as the worst flood the region has seen in many years.
Particularly concerning is the devastation in Mae Fah Luang District, where a landslide claimed two lives. Rescue efforts continue as the region grapples with power outages and communication breakdowns. In addition, Chiang Saen’s Golden Triangle area has seen significant flooding as the Mekong River breached its banks, inundating homes and local businesses.
Wide-Scale Impact and Emergency Efforts
Floodwaters have submerged many areas in Chiang Rai’s Muang district, affecting five sub-districts and 17 villages. Key urban zones, such as the Chiang Rai municipality, have also seen rising water levels, forcing the closure of three major bridges, including the Mae Fah Luang Bridge. Several schools in the area, including Samakkhi Wittayakhom and Anuban Chiang Rai, have suspended classes until conditions stabilize.
Efforts to evacuate stranded residents are underway. Notably, 835 students and teachers from the Princess Chulabhorn Science High School were safely transported out of the affected zone by disaster relief units. The Chiang Rai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center has dispatched flat-bottomed boats and other equipment to assist in moving people to safer areas.
Despite these efforts, parts of Mae Chan District and surrounding agricultural areas remain under water, with ongoing evacuations in place. The floods have also damaged key infrastructure, including suspension bridges and access roads, complicating rescue missions.
Royal Navy and Military Response
In addition to local government efforts, the Royal Thai Navy has stepped in to provide vital aid. Navy units have distributed essential supplies to flood victims in the hardest-hit areas. Moreover, they deployed ten high-capacity water pumps to help reduce water levels in the Ing River. The pumps, capable of moving one million cubic meters of water per day, have been operational since the afternoon of September 11.
The military has further contributed by setting up field kitchens, distributing food, and providing temporary shelters for evacuees. These collaborative efforts have offered much-needed relief, but the situation remains critical.
Chiang Mai Landslide Adds to Disaster
In Chiang Mai, six fatalities have been confirmed, with three others injured following a landslide in Ban Doi Laem, Mae Ai district. At approximately 4:00 PM, officials recovered the last missing person, identified as Mr. Teerayut, the village headman of Ban Doi Laem, whose body was found 10 kilometers from the site of the landslide. Witnesses described a harrowing scene in which Teerayut, in a selfless act, pushed a woman out of harm’s way before being swept away by the powerful mudslide.
Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Phongsitthavorn has mobilized emergency services to respond to the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi, focusing on assisting displaced residents. Immediate actions include setting up mobile kitchens and delivering food and water to those cut off in the Mae Ai and Fang districts, particularly in areas like Ban Doi Laem, where landslides have blocked roads. Soldiers have been deployed to carry essential supplies to isolated villagers on foot.
Chiang Rai
In Chiang Rai, General Songwit Nunpakdee, Supreme Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, convened with the provincial governor and related agencies to coordinate flood relief efforts in Mae Sai district. Certain areas remain inaccessible due to strong currents, and rescue boats have been unable to deliver aid. As a result, helicopters from Wing 41 in Chiang Mai have been dispatched to airlift food and water to affected communities. The situation remains dire as water levels continue to rise, and further aerial surveys are planned to assess the extent of the damage.
Floodwaters from the Kok River have spilled over into downtown Chiang Rai, inundating riverside areas. Drone footage captured at 5:00 PM on September 11th shows entire neighborhoods submerged, with the floodwaters expanding further.
Mae Hong Son
In Mae Hong Son, persistent rainfall has caused the Pai and Mae Sanga rivers to overflow, flooding over 1,000 rai of rice fields in the Mok Cham Pae and Pang Mu subdistricts. As of 4:00 PM on September 11th, the water level in the Pai River had surged to 4.53 meters, up from 3.47 meters earlier in the day. Agricultural areas across the Muang district remain submerged, with ongoing rains exacerbating the situation. While no casualties have been reported, many residents are facing the destruction of their crops and homes. Local officials have warned of dangerous road conditions due to landslides, with some areas completely cut off from the outside world.
Photos Courtesy : Siamrath Online
Mae Sai
Elsewhere, dramatic rescue efforts have been unfolding in Mae Sai. A man who had been stranded on the roof of the Lung Khon market for nearly 24 hours was finally saved, thanks to the efforts of rescuers who braved the powerful floodwaters. Social media played a crucial role in rallying support, with concerned citizens sharing updates and calling for assistance. In another incident, a 102-year-old woman and her family were successfully evacuated from their home, which had been submerged under 3 meters of water. Rescue teams from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation worked tirelessly throughout the night, navigating dangerous flood conditions to bring the elderly woman to safety.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Caution
As the floodwaters show signs of receding, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. Moderate rainfall is still forecasted for some areas, and residents have been advised to remain vigilant. Despite the challenges, communities and rescue teams are working together to rebuild and recover, offering hope in the face of adversity. The focus remains on providing relief, evacuating those in danger, and restoring normalcy to the affected regions.
