Severe Flooding Devastates Chiang Rai’s Border Markets and Villages
Over the past weekend, Chiang Rai province in Thailand faced a severe flooding crisis as the Sai River overflowed into border markets and communities in Mae Sai district. The deluge of water was a result of heavy rains and overflow from Myanmar’s Shan State, causing widespread devastation and displacing thousands of households in the region.
Border Markets and Communities Submerged
The Sai Lom Joy market in Mae Sai district bore the brunt of the flooding, experiencing its fourth instance of inundation this year and the third within a week. Late on Saturday night, the market found itself submerged under 1.00-1.50 meters of water, leaving vendors and residents grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster.
In addition to the border market, neighboring communities along the Sai River, such as Koh Sai-Koh Sawan and Mueang Daeng, were also severely impacted by the rising floodwaters. The nearby Mai Lung Khon market faced a similar fate, further exacerbating the dire situation unfolding in the province.
Overflow from Myanmar’s Shan State
The overflowing of the Sai River was not solely attributed to the heavy rainfall in the region but also to the deluges of water flowing from catchment areas in Myanmar’s Shan State. Across the river, Myanmar’s Tachileik town faced its own inundation late on Saturday night, mirroring the plight of Mae Sai district and its bordering communities.
The Office of National Water Resources reported a staggering 120 millimeters of rain in Chiang Rai province over the past 24 hours, highlighting the intensity of the downpour that contributed to the flooding crisis in the region.
Widespread Impact and Relief Efforts
The flooding extended beyond Mae Sai district, with neighboring areas such as Phaya Mengrai district and Thoeng district also grappling with the aftermath of the natural disaster. In Phaya Mengrai district, the Tak River overflowed into Ban Thung Chao village, submerging the area under more than one meter of water, while a landslide in Thoeng district posed additional challenges to relief efforts.
In response to the crisis, the local office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that approximately 2,000 households in Chiang Rai were affected by the floods. Despite the widespread impact, authorities reassured residents that the flooding should subside in a few days, provided that the rains cease.
As Chiang Rai province navigates through this challenging period, the resilience and unity of its communities shine through as they come together to support one another in the face of adversity.