Flood water in the northern provinces of Chiang Rai, Phrae and Nan is receding, allowing residents to start cleaning up and removing sediment from their houses.
In Chiang Rai province, more than 5,000 households in 11 districts have been affected by flooding in the past several days. The water in the commercial area of Mueang district and in other districts is now steadily receding.
One resident said that the flooding this August is as devastating as in 2011. He added that getting out of the house to pick up food and drinking water provided by officials is difficult because, in some areas, flood water remains deep.
The 1155 Highway, linking Wiang Kaen district with Thoeng district, has sustained heavy damage in Ban Pha Lae-Pang Had in Por sub-district, rendering it only passable on one lane. The electricity and mobile phone services have been out for three consecutive days.
In Nan province, the swollen Nan River level has receded to below the banks, but flooding is still being reported in low-lying areas. At the famous ancient Phuminn Temple, fine arts officials said that, although the compound was flooded, the murals are safe.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is due to visit Nan to assess situation this afternoon.
In Sukhothai province, irrigation officials and labourers have been busily removing debris, mostly tree trunks and garbage, which are blocking the sluice gate in Ban Hat Saphan Chan in Sawankhaloke district, which is about 60km from the Mueang district.
The sluice gate is important for the protection of the Mueang district from flooding by the Yom River, which flows through the province. The Ping and Nan rivers also flow through Sukhothai.
A mass of water from the Yom River is flowing downstream from Phrae province toward Sukhothai via the Sri Satchanalai district at a rate of 1,400 cubic metres/second. It is expected to arrive in Mueang district, through the sluice gate at Ban Hat Saphan Chan, this evening.
Municipal officials have reinforced the embankments, to protect the commercial zone in the Mueang district, and have advised residents to keep abreast of updates on water situation.
