Mae Sai communities under water again as Sai River overflows

Heavy rainfall throughout Wednesday night caused the Sai River to breach the sandbag floodwall, inundating Ko Sai and Mai Loong Khun communities in Chiang Rai’s Mae Sai district, which are still reeling from the devastating flooding last month, the public relations office of Chiang Rai reported today.

Residents of the two communities had, however, been evacuated ahead of the flooding today, helped by troops.

Meanwhile, the northern meteorological station forecasts more rain today, covering about 70% of Chiang Rai province, due to a moderately high pressure weather system from China, which is over Vietnam and the northern part of Laos, in conjunction with a monsoon trough over the northern region of Thailand.

These conditions are forecast to bring heavy rain to Mae Ai district of Chiang Mai and Mueang district of Chiang Rai, resulting in a rise in the water level in the Kok River and possible flooding of low-lying areas in Mueang, Wiang Chai, Mae Chan, Doi Luang and Chiang Saen districts.

All districts expected to be affected by the overflows have been advised to have manpower and equipment on stand-by to cope with flooding and mudslides.

They were also advised to keep the public informed of the weather conditions and flood situation.

Mueang and Mae Sai districts are still struggling to cope with the mess left behind by the flooding early last month. Several roads and many houses are still covered in a thick layer of mud or muddy water. Drains are also clogged with mud, preventing the polluted water being flushed away.