Three people killed, six missing in mudslide and flooding in Chiang Mai

Three people died and six went missing when a mud slide and flash flood hit Ban Pang Oong in Mae Chaem district of Chiang Mai Tuesday night.

Local officials say that two women and one six-year-old child are among the dead, adding that most of the missing and the fatalities were farm workers who stayed in the houses which were swept away by strong currents. Dozens of other houses also sustained damage.

A Ban Pang Oong resident said that the village had been drenched by continuous heavy rain for hours, triggering a flash flood which swept into the village so quickly that many inhabitants were caught off-guard. He said that he lost all his belongings when his house was swept away.

District officials set up a temporary shelter today at a village school and evacuated all remaining residents fearing mudslides.

The Jaem River and several tributaries overflowed their banks, causing flooding in a number of villages in the district. Due to the strong currents, local officials tied up rope across a swollen stream to help people cross it.

In Ban Pha Pong village, in Muang district of Mae Hong Son, a pickup truck was swept away by the strong currents. Villagers said this is the worst flooding in many years.

Some roads have become impassable to small vehicles and utility poles have collapsed.