Nan, Thailand – July 28th, 2025 – Northern Thailand is reeling from what local residents are calling the worst flooding in decades, triggered by the remnants of Tropical Storm Wipha. The storm, which battered the region over the past two days, has caused widespread damage across multiple provinces, submerging homes, disrupting transportation, and prompting urgent response efforts from authorities. The flooding, described as historic by some, has left communities struggling to recover as officials warn of continued risks from heavy rainfall in the coming days.
Storm Wipha’s Impact
Tropical Storm Wipha, which made landfall in northern Vietnam on July 22nd with winds of 102 km/h (63 mph) before weakening into a tropical depression, brought torrential rains to northern Thailand as it moved westward through Laos. The storm’s remnants, combined with an active southwest monsoon, unleashed heavy rainfall across provinces including Nan, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Lampang, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Phrae, and Loei. According to the National Disaster Prevention and Mitigation agency, the flooding and landslides since July 21st have affected 33,900 households and 115,858 people across 50 districts, with one person reported missing.In Nan Province, the epicenter of the crisis, floodwaters inundated low-lying areas in districts such as Pua, Chiang Klang, and Thung Chang, with water levels in the Nan River rising rapidly.
Residents reported unprecedented flooding, with some areas experiencing what local authorities described as the worst deluge in 40 years in Ban Prang, Pua District. The Department of Highways reported that seven roads in Nan, Phayao, and Chiang Rai became impassable due to flash floods and landslides. Wiang Sa Hospital and Chiang Klang Hospital in Nan faced flooding but continued operations, while Rim HPH in Tha Wang Pha district temporarily suspended services due to severe inundation.
Local resident Somchai Boonmee, a farmer in Nan, told reporters, “I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’ve never seen anything like this. The water came so fast, we barely had time to save our belongings.” Similar sentiments echoed across the region, with communities grappling with damaged homes, disrupted utilities, and submerged farmlands.
Wider Regional Impact
The effects of Wipha extended beyond Thailand. In the Philippines, the storm caused catastrophic flooding, killing 30 people, displacing 190,000, and causing damages estimated at ₱6.8 billion (US$138.07 million). In Vietnam, where Wipha made its second landfall, heavy rains damaged 119,000 hectares of rice paddies and triggered multiple dike breaches.Northern Laos also reported severe flooding, affecting nearly 15,000 households across 262 villages. In China, the storm’s remnants caused extreme rainfall in Shandong, killing two and leaving 10 missing after 360mm of rain fell in just five hours.In Thailand, the storm disrupted transportation, with the Transport Co., Ltd. suspending bus services from Bangkok to Nan and Phayao due to impassable roads.
The Yom River in Sukhothai overflowed on July 26th, flooding government offices and homes with water levels reaching 400mm in some areas. Authorities deployed heavy machinery and 500-kg sandbags to reinforce flood defenses, while evacuation plans were put in place.
Government and Community Response
The Thai government has mobilized extensive resources to address the crisis. Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai established a 24-hour war room to coordinate the response with proactive measures like reinforcing flood barriers and deploying water pumps.Volunteers and local authorities have been working tirelessly to assist affected communities. Temporary shelters have been set up for vulnerable groups, including the elderly and bedridden, while royal kitchens and medical teams provide food, healthcare, and supplies. In areas where floodwaters have receded, cleanup efforts are underway to restore homes, roads, and utilities.
Geopolitical Context
The flooding crisis coincides with heightened tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, following reported military clashes and Cambodia’s demand for Thai diplomats to leave within a specified timeframe. Residents in flood-prone areas, particularly near hillsides and waterways, are urged to remain vigilant for flash floods and landslides. The Department of Mineral Resources highlighted the high risk of saturated ground in hilly areas, with over 100mm of rain recorded in a single day in some regions.
The National Water Resources Office is closely monitoring reservoirs like Nong Han in Sakhon Nakhon, which has exceeded 100% capacity, and is accelerating water discharge to prevent downstream flooding. Provinces along the Mekong River, including Chiang Rai and Nong Khai, are on high alert for potential overflows. The forecast indicates that conditions may ease after July 30th, but authorities are preparing for prolonged rainfall into early September.
Looking Ahead
For ongoing updates, residents are advised to monitor alerts from the Thai Meteorological Department and local authorities. Those in affected areas can contact disaster response teams for assistance.
Photo credit Mae Jo Rescue.
