While the flood situation in Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai eases today, in neighbouring Chiang Rai province it is worsening, with levels in several waterways steadily rising today (Sunday), due to heavy rainfall since last evening.

In Mae Chan district of Chiang Rai, the Chan River has broken its banks and flooded markets and communities along the river.

District officials and workers have erected a temporary flood wall to protect the municipal area.

The mayor of Chiang Rai’s Muang district, Wanchai Chongsutthamani, yesterday ordered the opening of the sluice gate, to allow more water to be discharged into the Kok River, and water pumps to be operational around the clock.

Officials were also sent to 65 communities in the district to help local residents.

In Chiang Mai province, the flood situation has eased today, but some roads, including Chotena Road, before it reaches Lanna Golf Club, and Highway 2, remain closed as some areas are still flooded, making them impassable to vehicles.

Motorists are warned of possible mud slides on mountainous roads, even though rains have subsided today.

The Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route, just before arriving in Wiang Pa Pao district, is heavily flooded, making it difficult for small vehicles to pass. Motorists are advised to use the Wang Nua-Phayao route instead.

The Meteorological Department, meanwhile, has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall today and tomorrow in northern and southern Thailand, due to a low pressure cell and monsoon trough over the northern and north-eastern regions.

A strong southwestern monsoon is also covering parts of Thailand, the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

This weather system, said the department, will cause rainstorms and strong winds, with heavy to very heavy downpours in the northern, north-eastern, central and eastern regions of the country, as well as in the upper southern region today and tomorrow.