Chiang Mai —
At 10:00 AM on October 3rd, 2024, Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthavorn held an emergency meeting with relevant agencies to monitor rising water levels in the upper Ping River basin after continuous heavy rainfall since October 1st.
The Meteorological Department forecasted more rain in the north from October 1st to 3rd, with Chiang Mai receiving 70-80 millimeters of rainfall on October 2nd, particularly in Mae Taeng and Chiang Dao districts.
Water levels at measuring station P.20 recorded a flow of over 205 cubic meters per second at 1:00 PM, and this is expected to reach Chiang Mai City by around 1:00 AM on October 4th.
Mae Taeng district also saw heavy rainfall, with water at Mae Taeng Weir peaking at 423 cubic meters per second at 10:00 AM. This flow will reach Chiang Mai city early on October 4th, coinciding with the main flood.
At measuring station P.1, the Ping River level has already risen to 3.70 meters by 9:00 AM, and it is expected to reach the critical level of 4.20 meters by 6:00-8:00 PM, causing overflow in Chiang Mai’s Pa Phrao Nok, Charoen Prathet Road, and Chang Khlan areas.
The peak flood is expected to reach a level similar to the September 24th and 27th floods, with a height of 4.90-4.95 meters near the Nawarat Bridge between 1:00-2:00 AM on October 4th.
Nirat urged local residents in the risk-flooded areas to move belongings and vehicles to higher ground, assist bedridden patients, and take precautions. Schools along the Ping River are advised to suspend classes for safety. The Chiang Mai Municipality has issued warnings across seven community zones, urging people to prepare for flooding.
