Chiang Mai Faces Another Flood Crisis as Landslides and Sudden Floods Wreak Havoc

Heavy rain has caused landslides and sudden floods along the Mae Klang River in Chom Thong district of Chiang Mai, Thailand, with water levels reaching near-disaster levels of 3.863 metres as of 7 a.m. on 27 May. The crisis has brought back memories of the devastating floods in 2024, which saw the Ping River overflowing, causing widespread destruction and displacement.

Key Takeaways:

• The Mae Klang River has surged due to runoff from Doi Inthanon, causing water levels to reach 3.863 metres, close to the disaster mark of 4.5 metres.
• Residents of Ban Mae Klang had to evacuate quickly during the night, grabbing what they could as rescue workers and local officials helped them reach safety.
• The floods have destroyed a road near the Chao Pho Luang Lham Daeng Shrine in Mae Na subdistrict, cutting off communities and disrupting travel.
• The Chiang Mai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office has sent staff and equipment to help drain water and clear debris.
• Rescue teams in Ban Mae Klang have won praise for moving families to safe ground as waters climbed, but officials warn everyone to stay alert as more rain is forecast.
• The impact on the local economy is already clear, with Chiang Mai's tourism industry potentially threatened by the floods.
• Plans to improve water management and prevent future floods are on the table, but many locals and experts say faster action is needed to handle weather disasters that keep getting worse.

Statistics:

• The Ping River overflowed to 5.3 metres in October 2024, causing widespread destruction and displacement.
• The 2024 flood, worsened by Typhoon Yagi and shifting weather patterns, was one of Chiang Mai's worst, hitting thousands of families and causing damage worth billions of baht.
• Nearly 20 billion baht has been set aside for recovery in Chiang Mai and nearby Chiang Rai after the 2024 floods.
• The number of families displaced by the floods is not yet clear.

Sources:

• "Chiang Mai Provincial Public Relations Department"
• "The Nation Thailand"
• "Bangkok Post"