The National Water Resources Office has issued advice to residents in 35 provinces, excluding the central region, to brace for flash floods and overflows from Saturday until the end of the month, due to a looming monsoon trough and the escalating southwestern monsoon, which will bring more rain to most of the country.
In the northernmost province of Nan, the swollen Nan River overflowed in Phu Phiang district at 5am this morning. Highway 101, from Chiang Klang district to Thung Chang and Chalerm Phra Kiat districts, is partially flooded in several places, prompting police, local officials and volunteers to help direct traffic and assist affected travellers.
Numerous villages in Pua and Wiang Sa districts are inundated by overflows from the river.
Two schools in Mueang district are closed today due to flooding, which is making it difficult for students and teachers to reach the schools.
Nan Governor Chainarong Wongyai says riverside residents have been advised to move their valuables to higher ground and to stockpile food, drinking water and other necessities in preparation for flooding.
Traisuree Traisoranakul, spokesperson for the Interior Minister, said today that Nan, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Phetchabun and Udon Thani provinces remain flooded in parts, adding that water is receding, with the exception of Nan where the floodwater is still rising.
Over 500 villages and more than 12,000 households have been affected, she said.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra today expressed concern over ongoing flooding in the north, especially in Nan, Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces.
Writing on Facebook, the new PM stated that she is currently unable to perform her duties fully, due to the pending constitutional process to bring her government into power.
She has, however, already assigned Phumtham Wechayachai, the acting PM, to handle the situation and to preside over mitigation-related meetings to assist affected people.
