The Office of National Water Resources (ONWR) has projected that the flood levels in Chiang Rai will gradually improve by Monday, offering a glimmer of hope to the affected communities. While the situation may see a temporary respite, plans are already in place to address the aftermath of the flooding in Muang and Mae Sai districts. The ONWR shared on its Facebook page that water levels are expected to recede, allowing conditions to return to normal in the coming days.
Collaboration among various agencies is crucial in dealing with the inundation issues in the northern districts of Chiang Rai. The Provincial Public Relations Office reported that the Provincial Waterworks Authority, Department of Water Resources, Royal Irrigation Department, Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, and Department of Highways are working together to drain floodwaters and restore water systems in the affected areas.
A brainstorming session was held in Chiang Rai over the weekend to assess the flood situation and develop recovery plans. The efforts seem to be paying off, as water levels in Muang and Mae Sai districts have already decreased by about one meter. However, challenges remain as the cleanup process continues amidst intermittent rain that hampers progress.
In Mae Sai district, residents have been urged to relocate their vehicles to facilitate the clearance of mud along Phahon Yothin Road. Volunteers are also pitching in to clean up areas where floodwaters have receded, demonstrating the community’s resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the difficult conditions, the Mae Sai border remains open, allowing people from Tachileik in Myanmar to cross into Thailand.
The recovery process is expected to be a lengthy one, with authorities estimating that it may take more than 20 days to fully address the aftermath of the flooding. With additional rain forecasted due to upcoming storms, the situation remains dynamic and requires ongoing attention. The cleanup efforts are further complicated by the presence of abandoned vehicles stuck in the mud along the affected areas.
While the focus is on clearing the mud and restoring normalcy, the damage to shops along Phahon Yothin Road near the Mae Sai border cannot be overlooked. The economic impact of the flooding on local businesses is significant, and recovery efforts must be swift and effective to mitigate the losses incurred.
In villages such as Ban Mai Lung Khon and Ban Muang Daeng in Mae Sai district, the devastation caused by the floods is evident. While water levels are receding, many homes have been severely damaged, highlighting the urgent need for support and assistance to the affected residents.
Chiang Rai is gearing up for a “Big Cleaning Day” scheduled for Tuesday, signaling a collective effort to restore the affected areas to their former state. The reopening of Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport on Friday is a positive development, indicating progress in lowering water levels and ensuring the safety of air travel to and from the region.
As the cleanup and recovery efforts continue, the resilience and solidarity of the communities in Chiang Rai are on full display. Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, the spirit of cooperation and determination to overcome adversity shines through in the collective response to the crisis. With ongoing support and resources, Chiang Rai is poised to emerge stronger from the aftermath of the floods, demonstrating the indomitable spirit of its residents in the face of natural disasters.