After being hit by flash floods less than a week ago, communities around Phayao University in Mueang district of Phayao province, including several student hostels, were caught off-guard late Saturday night when overflows from Mae Ka Luang and Huai Kiang watercourses inundated the communities following heavy rainfall.
Students and residents alike rushed to move their belongings to higher ground, while several other students were unable to leave their hostels due to the strong currents, requiring troops and volunteers from emergency units to take them to safety.
The overflows subsequently flowed into the Mae Tam canal and several communities in Muang district, eventually draining into the Kwan Phayao Lake, which has the capacity to hold 55.65 million cubic metres of water. Irrigation officials had earlier discharged water from the lake into Ing River, in anticipation of more water pouring into the lake.
