Widespread Flooding Hits Northern Thailand Due to Heavy Rainfall
Heavy overnight rainfall has caused extensive flooding in several northern provinces of Thailand, with Phrae experiencing the most severe impact. Runoff from the mountains swept through communities and farmland in the Song district, causing significant disruption. Fortunately, no injuries or deaths have been reported so far.
In tambon Daen Chumphon of the Song district, local residents were caught off guard when forest runoff flooded their homes early on Saturday. Many were unable to move their belongings in time as a large volume of water rushed into their houses. The sudden nature of the flood left many residents scrambling to protect their possessions.
On Saturday morning, officials were dispatched to assess the damage in the affected areas and provide emergency assistance to those impacted. So far, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities, but the situation remains under close monitoring.
In tambon Mae Yang Rong of the Rong Kwang district in Phrae, the floods also reached Wat Yang Yuang, a well-known local temple. Although there are no immediate reports of damage to the main structures of the temple, efforts are underway to drain the floodwaters as quickly as possible.
The Meteorological Department issued a warning about heavy to very heavy rain on Saturday, urging people living in areas such as Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and Phrae, as well as parts of the upper Northeast, to prepare for continued storms from Saturday to Sunday.
In Chiang Rai, steady heavy rain hit tambon Doi Lan in the Muang district from Friday night through Saturday morning. This caused water sources to overflow, leading to flooding in eight villages. The situation has since begun to improve, with floodwater levels gradually receding by Saturday afternoon.
Local administration organizations and community leaders are currently assessing the damage to determine how best to assist affected households. In Nan, flash floods and runoff struck tambon Nam Muap in Wiang Sa district before dawn. Fortunately, many residents were able to move their belongings to higher ground in time due to their early awareness of the danger.
Locals described the deluge as one of the worst in recent years, with over 120 households affected. As a result, Mae Charim National Park in Nan announced a temporary closure due to damaged roads within the park. A key route between Ban Hat Rai and Ban Nam Pu Samakkhi in Mae Charim district has been blocked by landslides and fallen high-voltage poles.
In Uttaradit, rescuers from multiple agencies were deployed to evacuate residents in low-lying areas of Ban Khok and Fak Tha districts. Runoff submerged homes and farmland, prompting authorities to cut power supplies in some parts of Fak Tha to prevent electrical hazards.
In Mae Hong Son, strong winds and heavy rain caused trees and power poles to fall in the Muang district. Five power poles were knocked down near the residences of local officials behind the provincial hall. Disaster prevention officials and the Provincial Electricity Authority are working to restore power and services amid ongoing rainfall.
The Chiang Rai provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office reported that heavy rain led to flash floods across 15 districts, including Muang, Thoeng, Wiang Pa Pao, Pa Deat, Phan, Chiang Saen, Doi Luang, Mae Chan, Wiang Chai, Chiang Khong, Wiang Kaen, Khun Than, Mae Suai, Phaya Mengrai, and Wiang Chiang Rung. The situation continues to be closely monitored as communities work to recover from the widespread flooding.
