Bangkok: Heavy rain continued throughout the night in many areas of northern Thailand, causing flash floods, landslides, and overflowing rivers that inundated homes and agricultural areas. Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department continues to issue warnings of continued heavy rainfall in the northern, eastern, and southern regions.
According to Thai News Agency, rescuers used a flat-bottomed motorboat equipped with water rescue equipment to brave the strong currents and rescue Mr. Pornchai Pantibung, 60, who had spent the night in a hut in the middle of his orchard by the Mae Ngat River, tending to his crops. He was stranded amidst a flash flood and unable to escape on foot due to the rising and fast-flowing water. His family was extremely worried that he would be swept away. The operation was difficult due to heavy rain and the strong current. Upon reaching him, rescuers carried Mr. Pornchai onto the boat and safely brought him to shore after more than 30 minutes, much to the relief of his family and the villagers who had gathered to watch the situation. Although the water level in that area has begun to stabilize and gradually recede, the local administration and the San Sai Subdistrict Administrative Organization are still assessing the damage to plan for recovery and assistance.
The situation in Mae Hong Son province is equally worrying, especially on the route to Ban Sao Hin, Sao Hin Subdistrict, Mae Sariang District. This route involves navigating through 52 stream crossings along its way, where flash floods from accumulated rainfall on the mountaintops have caused rapid water surges. Recently, a pickup truck carrying goods was caught in a sudden flash flood while crossing the Mae Nga stream to deliver them to the border area. The engine stalled, and the truck was submerged in the rushing water from 4 PM onwards. Villagers and officials used tractors to pull the vehicle from the raging current for over four hours, finally rescuing it at 7 PM. Following the incident, Mae Sariang District issued a warning to the public, transport operators, and residents to exercise extreme caution before crossing streams. They advised against crossing if the water turns muddy or reddish. Furthermore, three subdistricts in Mae Sariang District were declared high-risk: Mae H?? Subdistrict (high risk), and Mae Sariang and Sao Hin Subdistricts (medium risk). Be prepared to closely monitor and respond to flash floods and landslides.
Regarding the situation along the border in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, water levels in the Sai River have risen rapidly due to heavy rainfall accumulated in the upstream areas on the Myanmar side. The water level at the Friendship Bridge No. 1 across the Sai River has reached 90.54% of its critical level, almost touching the bridge deck. This has caused concern among residents in riverside communities such as Sai Lom Joy, Koh Sai, Mai Lung Khon, and Meuang Daeng, who fear the flood protection dikes may not be able to withstand the weight. The Governor of Chiang Rai Province has ordered the immediate deployment of machinery and backhoes to clear debris, logs, and other waste carried by the current from the Friendship Bridge to facilitate faster water drainage.
Meanwhile, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has sent disaster warning messages via cell broadcast to mobile phones of people in high-risk areas, alerting them to move belongings to higher ground and to prepare to immediately implement emergency response and evacuation plans if the situation escalates to a crisis.
The Meteorological Department has issued a warning to prepare for heavy to very heavy rainfall, especially in the northern, eastern, and western southern regions, due to the influence of a monsoon trough. People living in vulnerable areas, on slopes, near waterways, and in low-lying areas should closely monitor for the danger of flash floods and landslides throughout this week. For emergency assistance, please contact the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department's emergency hotline at 1784, available 24 hours a day.