Record Rainfall Triggers Flash Floods Across Pua District
Nan province recorded the North's highest rainfall reading at 254 millimetres as of Thursday morning, triggering flash floods that affected more than 16,000 residents across roughly 8,000 households in seven subdistricts and 60 villages. Pua district was among the worst hit, with rescue teams evacuating vulnerable residents trapped in their homes as floodwaters rose quickly through the area.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul instructed all relevant agencies to step up relief efforts for flood-affected residents, while Deputy Prime Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat ordered Nan, Phayao and Lamphun provinces to urgently prepare for further flooding and flash floods. Measures included 24-hour Cell Broadcast alerts to residents' phones and a standby KA-32 helicopter for emergency response.
24-Hour Command Centre Coordinates Six Ministries
Authorities established a 24-hour single command centre mobilising six ministries to handle flood warnings, evacuation, relief and recovery efforts. Nan province also set up an incident command centre at the Pua district office, with a Joint Information Centre issuing scheduled updates at 10am and 4pm daily and immediate alerts whenever heavy rain, flash floods or landslides occur.
Six evacuation centres have opened to support displaced residents, and officials said high-risk communities were being moved to seven designated safe locations as a precaution. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of continued heavy to very heavy rain, flash floods and rough seas across upper Thailand, with authorities urging residents in at-risk areas to remain alert as recovery efforts continue.
