DDPM Warning Follows Days of Heavy Northern Rainfall
Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation issued a disaster warning on August 9 covering Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, among other provinces, alerting residents to the risk of flash floods, rapid run-off and short-term waterlogging. The warning followed an order from Chiang Mai authorities for all agencies to prepare for heavy rain between August 6 and 8, as a monsoon trough combined with a strong southwest monsoon brought sustained downpours to the upper North.
The Royal Irrigation Department intensified 24-hour monitoring of water levels in Chiang Mai after heavy rainfall across the upper Ping basin, particularly in Chiang Dao, Mae Taeng and Wiang Haeng districts, increased river flows heading toward the provincial capital.
Ping River Remains Within Normal Limits, Officials Say
Despite the elevated alert, the Chiang Mai Irrigation Project has confirmed that water levels in the Ping River and its tributaries flowing into Chiang Mai city remain within normal limits, sitting below 30 per cent of channel capacity even as the trend continues upward. Officials say the situation is being closely tracked but has not reached levels that would trigger emergency measures in the city itself.
In neighbouring Chiang Rai, local authorities are watching the Mae Chang Khao Reservoir after recent heavy rains pushed water levels to 12 centimetres above the spillway as of August 9. Disaster officials in both provinces say they will continue to issue updates as the monsoon system moves through the region, with residents in low-lying and mountainous areas urged to stay alert for further warnings.
