A devastating event occurred in the village of Sai Mool, Chiang Mai, where flash floods caused the collapse of three houses along the Mae Rim River. Mukda Wongnak, a 65-year-old homeowner, shared her heartbreak after witnessing her newly built home fall into the river after just three years.
On September 24, 2023, heavy rains led to rising water levels and erosion, prompting locals to evacuate. Mukda’s son had taken a loan of 500,000 baht to construct their house, and they had only made partial repayments. Despite warnings and attempts to salvage belongings, they were unable to fully evacuate before the house was lost in front of them.
Mukda and affected relatives are now seeking assistance from local authorities. In addition to the three houses, five others in the nearby area are also at risk of collapse. Residents are taking precautions by moving belongings in anticipation of further erosion due to rising water levels.
Wachara Thepkan, the district chief of Mae Rim, stated there are about 1,000 households affected and the current situation is being assessed. Six villages remain flooded due to the overflow of the Mae Rim River. The government intends to assist those whose homes were completely destroyed, providing up to 49,500 baht, though this may not suffice to cover damages.
The flooding situation in Chiang Mai province has seen 15 of 25 districts affected. While some areas are recovering, Mae Rim remains critical due to its location by the river. However, the Ping River levels in the city are manageable. Authorities are maintaining vigilance as weather conditions continue to fluctuate.
This article was rewritten from a Thairath’s news article.
