CityNews – Chiang Mai and other parts of northern Thailand were hit by severe flooding yesterday, following days of heavy rain.
Residents near Kom Market were among those hit by the heavy floods. Photo: Weerasak Panyachod.
Roads and homes were flooded in many communities in Chiang Mai’s Muang district, especially the areas around Sripingmuang, Kom Market, the Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts and the area close to Mae Kha Canal.
In some areas, the water was 50cm high. Cars could not get through the roads and residents moved valuable items upstairs to avoid flood damage.
Chiang Mai Municipality set up pumps to release the water into drains and the Mae Kha canal, so it could flow into the Ping River.
Roads around Sripingmuang, Kom Market and the College of Dramatic Arts were back to normal this morning.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation ordered some waterfalls in the north to be closed to the public, amid concerns for their safety.
The Mae Sa and Tat Mok waterfalls in Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district and the Mok Fa waterfall in Mae Tang were among those closed to the public. They are now open again, but visitors are not allowed in the water.
The highest amount of the rainfall measured yesterday was in Chiang Dao district, which recorded 46.3mm.
The Northern Meteorological Center has warned of continuing danger from flash floods in the north, especially in Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun provinces.