Several communities in Mueang district of Chiang Mai, especially those located in low-lying areas, are complaining that the flood water, although receding, has become so polluted that it smells bad and is a threat to their health.
Many fish have also died and can be seen floating in the stagnant water after more than a week of flooding.
A resident of Ban Nai in Chompoo sub-district complained that, apart from having lost all her belongings in the floods, she has to wade through the polluted water every day and is now suffering from a skin rash and has had to see a doctor. She appealed to authorities to pump the polluted water out of her community quickly.
In Ban Ton Choke, Chaisathan sub-district, Saraphi district, one resident said the water in the village has become very polluted and smells bad, adding that the toilet remains unusable, making her daily life a torment.
Governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn has ordered all agencies to send manpower and equipment to drain water out of the flooded communities and to collect garbage, which may be clogging the drains.
It is reported that a shortage of water pumps is being blamed for the slow draining of floodwater from communities. Some households, which have their own water pumps, have managed to drain water from their houses, but not the surrounding areas.
