The Sai River overflowed early Monday and flooded communities in Mae Sai border district, with evacuation ordered for other flood-prone areas as more heavy rain was expected.
Water levels in the river had been increasing overnight due to ongoing rainfall in northern Thailand. Local authorities warned residents in the border communities to stay alert since 10pm on Sunday.
At 6am on Monday, the water quickly overflowed into Sai Lom Joy market, affecting vendors and residents, according to the Chiang Rai Joint Information Centre.
Some people previously experiencing flooding had already relocated their belongings and placed big bags to block water from flowing into their houses, with authorities helping to evacuate elderly and bedridden patients.
Mae Sai chief Warayut Khomboon ordered the urgent sealing of leaks in flood barriers.
Alerts for more flooding were also issued for three other communities nearby—Koh Sai, Mai Lung Khon and Muang Daeng.
In Doi Luang district, heavy rainfall has flooded roads at the Mae Liap-Mae Bong junction, connecting Wiang Chiang Rung and Muang districts. Floodwater reported at 10am was at 30 centimetres.
Doi Luang chief Suthat Limwanichkul said volunteer units also reported flash floods and forest runoff in tambon Pong Noi, Chok Chai and Nong Pa Kor, urging people to move belongings to higher ground and closely follow updates.
Residential areas in Doi Luang district are flooded due to heavy rain in Chiang Rai. (Photo: Chiang Rai Joint Information Centre)
Other districts on alert were Chiang Khong, Wiang Kaen and Wiang Rung, especially in low-lying areas, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
The northern Meteorological Department said the upper North is expected to experience very heavy rainfall during Monday and Tuesday, particularly in Chiang Rai, Phayao and Nan. They were the main provinces affected by flooding
Source: Bangkok Post