The National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (NDPO) has warned residents of Chiang Mai near the Ping River that the highest water level will rise to 5.20 meters at 1:00 AM tonight. The highest level of disaster response measures has been ordered. Meanwhile, Mae Sai is monitoring the continued rain.
Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, advisor to the Prime Minister and spokesman of the Flood, Storm and Landslide Relief Operation Center (FSOC), revealed that the Royal Irrigation Department has warned that the Ping River will reach its highest level of 5.15-5.20 meters, approximately 1.45-1.50 meters above the bank, between 01.00 and 02.00 tonight (October 5). This will cause the affected areas to expand beyond the 7 previously warned zones to low-lying areas along the Ping River, including in Chiang Mai, including Mueang Chiang Mai Municipality, Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng, Mae Rim, Saraphi, Hang Dong, San Pa Tong, Doi Lor, Chom Thong and Hot districts, and Lamphun, including Mueang, Pa Sang, Wiang Nong Long and Ban Hong
districts.
Mr. Jirayu said that at this time, Mr. Nirat Phongsitthaworn, Chiang Mai Governor, has raised the level of incident response to the highest level by mobilizing all forces to report to Kawila Subdistrict, Chiang Mai Municipality, and has evacuated bedridden patients and vulnerable groups in risk areas to shelters, including ordering the movement of people’s vehicles to safe areas.
‘The amount of water is high because the rain is still falling continuously, causing the water to overflow into the original area and spreading widely. In the areas at risk of the Ping River overflowing the banks, in addition to all 7 zones of Chiang Mai Municipality and nearby areas that were flooded during September 26-28, people are asked to move their belongings to higher ground, evacuate their pets, and move their cars to safe areas. Strictly follow the warnings from the authorities,’ said Mr. Jirayu.
Mr. Jirayu added that Ms. Thirat Samretwanich, Deputy Minister of Interior as the chairman of the Forward Command C
enter, and General Nattapol Nakphanit, Deputy Minister of Defense as advisor to the Forward Command Center, visited the flood relief center in Kuet Chang sub-district, Mae Taeng district, Chiang Mai province, to coordinate with relevant agencies to urgently help the people, tourists, and 9 elephants that were stranded, while Mr. Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, mobilized a total of 40 personnel to help move 117 elephants to higher ground in a safe location.
In addition, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Minister of Labor, along with a team of more than 50 skilled workers, visited Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, to set up a service point to repair damaged electrical appliances and motorcycles. At present, 335 people have registered to receive the service. The Ministry of Labor will continue to provide a team of technicians to help people until the end of October.
As for the water situation in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, although the water level in the Sai River
has decreased, some water is still stuck in the community. Officials are rushing to pump water and are arranging personnel to help restore, clean up, and clean up again. The Meteorological Department also predicts rain in the northern part of the country. The Mae Sai area still needs to be monitored, especially the zones next to the Sai River. Warnings and news from the government must be closely monitored.
Source: Thai News Agency