Over 20,000 Households Affected by Severe Flooding in Northern Thailand
Bangkok, The Gulf Observer: According to NHC, more than 20,000 households across seven provinces in northern Thailand have been severely affected by heavy flooding, with the bodies of three individuals who recently went missing in Nan province recovered on Saturday, according to the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation.
A total of 21,971 households have been impacted by the flooding, though water levels are now receding. Chiang Rai province reported that 5,381 households in 11 districts were affected, while Phayao saw 3,500 households hit by the inundation.
Nan province has been the hardest hit, with 10,157 households suffering from the floodwaters. Other affected areas include five districts in Phrae with 383 households, three districts in Phetchabun with 1,726 households, and six districts in Udon Thani with 255 households impacted. In Phuket’s Muang district, 209 households were affected by flooding and landslides, resulting in 13 deaths and 19 injuries.
Nan province, which has experienced its worst flooding in decades, began to see some relief on Friday night as the Nan River’s water level continued to decrease. By Friday evening, water levels in the province’s commercial and economic areas had dropped by 30 to 40 centimeters, with some areas seeing decreases of over one meter. This allowed vehicles to resume travel within the Nan municipality, and residents have started surveying the damage and cleaning their properties. However, low-lying areas along the riverbanks remained inundated, and pumps were deployed to remove excess water.
Tragically, the bodies of three individuals who went missing on Wednesday were discovered after the water receded. Charan Tankab, 52, was found in Thung Chang district, while Yutthaphum Sirirat, 40, and Anan Chaisalee, 59, were found in Tha Wang Pha district.
The flooding in Nan, triggered by heavy rain between Monday and Wednesday, also led to flash floods and mudslides, causing extensive damage to farms, fisheries, and livestock. Several agencies have been providing assistance and relief supplies to the affected residents.
On Saturday, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visited flood victims in Ban Phumin-Thalee in Nan’s Muang district. Accompanied by Pheu Thai MPs, the Prime Minister traveled by boat to reach those in the hardest-hit areas, delivering food and relief supplies. The Provincial Electricity Authority of Thailand had previously cut off electricity supplies to prevent electrical hazards during the flooding.
Ms. Paetongtarn acknowledged the ongoing power shortage and its impact on residents during the floods. “Residents were glad to see us. We gave them moral support. As soon as the new government officially assumes office, it will roll out urgent measures to help them as quickly as possible,” she said.
