Residents of Mae Sai in Chiang Rai are facing a challenging situation as they deal with the aftermath of mudslides caused by heavy rain and flooding. The drying mud and dirt left behind by the runoff over the past 11 days have now turned into thick dust, creating new difficulties for locals in the area. Especially along Phahon Yothin Road, the dust is being blown into homes due to the increased vehicle traffic heading to the border market. Masks have become a necessity for motorcyclists navigating the muddy and dusty roads in Mae Sai district.
Cleanups are ongoing in the area, but the situation may worsen with more rain expected over the weekend. The northern province is bracing for tropical storm Soulik, which is forecasted to bring further downpours and possible flooding to the region. Despite the efforts to clear up the mud and dust, the looming threat of more rain adds to the challenges faced by residents and authorities in Mae Sai.
In the midst of the aftermath, many vendors in Chiang Rai are offering goods damaged by the flooding at heavily discounted prices. Items such as clothing, bags, shoes, and blankets are being sold at up to 80% off, with some priced as low as tens or hundreds of baht. Cold-weather gear and blankets have become particularly sought after by buyers looking to replace items damaged by the floods. The discounted goods provide some relief to residents trying to recover from the impact of the natural disaster.
Meanwhile, in Nakhon Phanom, the water level of the Mekong River is gradually receding, measuring 11.3 meters on Saturday morning. The receding water levels provide some reassurance to residents in the area, as the alert level is set at 12 meters, with the city able to handle levels up to 15 meters without overflowing. Despite the gradual decrease in water levels, the region experienced heavy rainfall from tropical storm Soulik, with Sri Songkhram district recording 80 millimeters and Ban Phaeng district recording 79mm. The weather has since cleared up, with some clouds remaining in the sky.
In Nakhon Phanom, the cleanup efforts have begun as water that previously flooded basement shops has receded to about 40cm below floor level. Shop owners in the province are preparing to reopen for the annual Boat Floating Festival and the Nakhon Phanom Red Cross Fair scheduled for Oct 8-18. The provincial municipality has mobilized officers and volunteers to clean up the mud that accumulated in basement areas and around the Naga Monument after the fluctuating water levels of the river.
As Mae Sai and Nakhon Phanom continue to deal with the aftermath of the mudslides and flooding, the resilience and spirit of the communities are evident in their efforts to recover and rebuild. Despite the challenges posed by the natural disasters, the unity and determination shown by residents and authorities in the face of adversity shine through in the midst of the difficult circumstances.