As water levels continue to rise, the Chiang Mai Governor has ordered close monitoring of water conditions, with emergency services on standby to assist residents 24/7.
On the night of September 25, 2024, reports indicated that at the P1 station, water overflowed onto the streets and continued to rise, flooding the area adjacent to Lanna Hospital. Additionally, a measurement taken at Nanvarat Bridge P1 at 11:00 PM recorded a water level of 4.89 meters.
Chaleemkiat Intakanok, director of the Mae Ngat Project, announced that from September 21-25, 2024, Chiang Mai experienced heavy rain due to Typhoon “Surik,” causing significant water inflow into the Mae Ngat Dam. The dam’s water level as of September 25 at 7:00 AM was 277.166 million cubic meters, exceeding 104.59% of its capacity, with concerns that it may exceed its maximum safe level of +398.26 m (Rthg).
Flooding from the Mae Ngat River is expected to impact residential and agricultural areas in Ban Pao, Cho Lae, and Inthakhin Sub-districts starting around 1:00 AM on September 26, 2024.
The Mae Ngat Project will continue to closely monitor water levels and advise residents living near rivers to prepare to move belongings to higher ground and park vehicles in safe locations.
Governor Niratt Pongsiththawaran stated that the water levels in the Ping River continue to rise, leading to flooding in homes and businesses in parts of Chiang Mai’s urban area. The province had previously prepared for flood response and continuously informed residents so they could move valuables or evacuate to safe locations in a timely manner.
Due to the rapidly changing situation, measures to care for residents have been enhanced, including facilitating transportation, caring for the elderly and sick, and providing food and water. Large trucks have been deployed to transport residents in flooded areas where smaller vehicles cannot pass.
Emergency relief centers have been established to assist patients, and teams are prepared to distribute meals, ensuring residents have three full meals.
Regarding concerns about the capacity of the Mae Ngat Dam, the governor reassured that the dam has been balancing the inflow from Mae Tang and Phrao districts, reducing the amount flowing into the Ping River. However, if heavy rain continues, the dam may reach its maximum capacity and overflow.
The governor stated that Chiang Mai is prepared to manage excess water by allowing a gradual overflow from the spillway rather than releasing all at once while addressing obstacles along the Ping River to facilitate quicker drainage. Residents are urged to take precautions by moving valuables to higher ground or evacuating from high-risk areas.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
