Landslide cuts off Mae Hong Son highway as north braces for downpours

Hours of continuous heavy rainfall in Khun Yuam district in Mae Hong Son province, northern Thailand, triggered a massive landslide yesterday, blocking a major section of Highway 108 and cutting off traffic to Chiang Mai.

Meanwhile, neighbouring Mae Sariang district has been placed on high alert as authorities warn of further torrential downpours early this month.

The landslide occurred between kilometres 263 and 264 in Muang Pon sub-district, on the route between Khun Yuam and Mae La Noi districts.

Soil washing off the mountains, saturated by persistent rain, slid across both lanes of the highway along with large boulders, fractured rocks and numerous fallen trees.

The blockage brought all vehicles to a standstill, leaving long queues of motorists stranded. No injuries or vehicle damage were reported during the incident.

Khun Yuam district chief Waritchat Panchoo inspected the scene and coordinated with relevant agencies to clear the debris and reopen the route to traffic as quickly as possible.

Further south, in Mae Sariang district, the flood situation in Sao Hin sub-district has begun to ease.

While water levels in the Mae Ngae creek have receded enough for vehicles to pass, community leaders have asked that only four-wheel-drive vehicles attempt the route for safety reasons.

Mae Sariang district chief Worasak Phantong has, however, ordered all everyone locally to monitor the situation closely, following a severe weather warning for June 4-7.

A strong low-pressure system is expected to bring heavy and continuous rainfall to Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun and Tak.

The Meteorological Department has forecast accumulated rainfall of up to 300mm in the affected regions, with Mae Hong Son and the headwaters of the Ping River identified as high-risk zones.

In response, the Mae Sariang district chief has directed local leaders and administrative organisations to prepare evacuation plans and ensure emergency rescue teams are ready to deploy 24 hours a day.

Residents living in vulnerable areas have been urged to stay tuned to official government updates.