North —
On September 10th, 2024, Thai national media reported heavy rains triggered by Super Typhoon Yagi causing severe flooding in several northern provinces.
In Chiang Rai, continuous downpours from September 9th-10th rapidly raised water levels in the Sai River along the Thai-Myanmar border. The river overflowed, inundating areas from Ban Hua Fai to the bustling Sai Lom Joy market, forcing businesses to close and move goods to higher ground.
The situation worsened when floodwaters breached barriers under the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge, flooding communities in Mae Sai, including Koh Sai, Mai Lung Khon, and Mueang Daeng. In some places, water levels exceeded 1.5 meters, prompting local authorities to deploy pumps to alleviate the situation.
Across the border, Tachileik in Myanmar experienced its fifth flood this year, with market vendors scrambling to save their goods. The Sai River, fed by waters from Shan State, remained dangerously high due to ongoing rains, raising concerns of further flooding—potentially the worst in decades.
In Phichit, provincial officials joined volunteers, teachers, and students in filling sandbags to fortify flood defenses along the Yom River. The river, swelled by runoff from Sukhothai and Phitsanulok, was rising rapidly as of press time. The water gauge at Sam Ngam District recorded a level of 36.92 meters, with an increased flow rate of 335.50 cubic meters per second.
Phichit is preparing for potential flooding, utilizing areas like Thung Rak Nok to absorb excess water. Despite some rice fields being flooded, most crops have already been harvested. The situation has turned farmlands into vast water reservoirs.
The Thai Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy rainfall in the North, with risks of flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas. The Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand are expected to experience moderate waves, reaching up to 2 meters in stormy areas, with relevant officials advising caution for maritime activities.
