Rising river levels trigger flood alerts
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued a CB alert to residents in low-lying areas along the Kok River in Chiang Rai province, warning them to move belongings to higher ground and take care of vulnerable groups, including the elderly and bedridden patients.
The alert follows a continued rise in river levels, with potential flooding expected around 6pm Wednesday in tambons Huai Chomphu, Mae Yao, Doi Hang, Wiang and Rim Kok, and other areas within Chiang Rai municipality.
The municipality posted an update on Facebook detailing a preparedness meeting earlier in the day.
Water levels at Nawang Bridge–Tha Ton Station stood at 6.91 metres, or 0.41m above the riverbank, with stable flow rates.
At King Mengrai Bridge Station, the current flow reached 611.20 m³/second, just 0.18 m³/s below the bank level, with forecasts indicating levels could rise to 6.20–6.50m by evening, potentially flooding riverside zones and low-lying urban areas in Chiang Rai.
Also Tuesday, officials in Mae Hong Son reported that the Pai River, a key waterway, had surged past crisis levels.
Floodwaters have begun affecting farmland in tambons Pang Mu and Pha Bong although evacuations are not yet required.
The flooding in Mae Hong Son is attributed to heavy rainfall in upstream Pai district, which has accumulated in recent weeks. This year's rainfall exceeds seasonal averages, partly due to remnants of storm Wipha, compounding earlier persistent rainfall that has inundated homes and farmlands along the Pai River.
In the northeastern province of Nakhon Phanom, the Mekong River continued its rapid rise, reaching 11.3m Tuesday morning -- just 66cm below the 12m critical level.
The river has overflowed onto Sawan Chai Khong Road, flooding over 5km behind the local highway office. Businesses along the river have begun moving goods to prevent losses as floodwaters reach storefronts.
Meteorological reports forecast 70% thunderstorm coverage across the province, with heavy to very heavy rain in isolated areas. Nakhon Phanom's rainfall peaked at 54mm in Muang district.
In Nan, several days of persistent rainfall have triggered flash floods and road collapses in Chalerm Prakiat district. Social media images posted by "Kon Lanna" show road sections completely washed away, posing severe risks to motorists.
Sukrit Koetsang, director of the Northern Meteorological Centre, warned of persistent heavy rain in the upper North, although rainfall intensity is set to subside as the monsoon trough shifts northward.
However, the risk of landslides and flash flooding remains, especially in hilly areas, low-lying zones, and near riverbanks.
Meanwhile, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich chaired an emergency meeting Tuesday to coordinate flood and landslide response operations triggered by tropical storm Wipha.
She instructed provincial authorities to accelerate aid to affected residents and prioritise the protection of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, communities, and economic hubs.
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