Severe flooding hits Chiang Rai; Over 3,000 homes submerged

Heavy rainfall on surrounding mountains over the past several days led to the flooding of Phaya Mengrai, Wiang Chiang Rung, Thoeng, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong districts in Chiang Rai on Friday.

According to the Mirror Foundation, Phaya Mengrai was the worst affected, particularly in Ban Yao Mae Tam in Tak Kwan sub-district where about 200 households are now isolated after a bridge, the only access to the village, was swept away by strong currents.

More than 3,000 households in nine villages in Sob Pao sub-district are submerged and roads are impassable.

In Wiang Chiang Rung district, floodwater has entered the district hospital while, in Wiang Chai district, farmland is inundated and the road to and from Phaya Meng Rai district is impassable.

An official from the Mirror Foundation said that they learned lessons from the devastating flooding in Mae Sai district late last year and are deploying a drone to survey the flood situation, especially the submerged roads, which is useful in planning rescue and relief operations.

The official expects the flood situation to improve gradually, if there are no more runoffs from the surrounding mountains, as the flood water flows into the Mekong River.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is due to visit Phaya Mengrai today, to assess the flood situation first hand and to oversee distribution of relief materials to flood victims.