Flash floods hit Chiang Rai as heavy rain triggers mass evacuations, severe crop damage
Residents in Chiang Rai were forced to urgently evacuate and move belongings to higher ground. PHOTO: NATTY F. SUNISA/FACEBOOK
- Thailand's Chiang Rai province is grappling with severe flooding following continuous heavy rainfall overnight on June 26 , extending into the morning of June 27 .
The torrential downpours caused flash floods and mountain run-off across several districts, with Phaya Mengrai and Wiang Chai being the hardest hit.
Large volumes of rainwater flowed rapidly from surrounding mountains into low-lying areas, causing sudden surges in water levels and widespread inundation.
Residents were forced to urgently evacuate and move belongings to higher ground.
In many areas, floodwaters reached waist height, with powerful currents damaging property and sweeping away possessions.
Agricultural land – including orchards and farmland that provide livelihoods for local communities – has been severely affected, with vast areas submerged under water.
In response to the emergency, Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, in coordination with mobile network providers, issued emergency alerts via cell broadcast warning of potential flash floods and run-off in the Mae Pao and Tat Khwan sub-districts of Phaya Mengrai.
Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to relocate valuables and assist vulnerable groups, including the elderly and bedridden patients, while closely monitoring official updates from the local authorities. THE NATION/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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