Heavy rain accumulating across the northern part of the province pushed the Ping river, which runs through Chiang Mai city, over its banks on the 9th August, flooding shops and restaurants along the riverfront in Wat Ket sub-district. Several businesses were forced to close temporarily until water levels recede.
Water levels at station P.67 in Mae Taeng district have been rising slowly since last night following heavy rain in Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng districts, which sent water flowing into the Ping. Levels rose from 1.76 metres at 1am to 1.87 metres by 1pm today, still well below the overflow point of 3 metres, though authorities continue to closely monitor rainfall in the northern districts, particularly Chiang Dao at the river’s source.
The flooding in Chiang Mai city is attributed to low-lying areas near the riverbank and is expected to gradually recede to normal by tomorrow provided no further rain falls.
Meanwhile the Northern Meteorological Centre issued its 8th warning (No. 79/2569) today for heavy to very heavy rain across the North, covering Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, due to a monsoon trough crossing the upper North and northern Laos. Residents have been warned of the risk of flash floods and runoff, particularly in low-lying areas and those near foothills and watercourses.
Kuakul Manasamphansakul, director of the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project, inspected the situation on the ground and ordered accelerated drainage at irrigation structures along the Ping river, with continued monitoring underway. At the Mae Soi floodgate in Chom Thong district, the final gate on the Ping before it drains into Doi Tao lake and Bhumibol Dam, all 8 gates have now been opened.
