Bangkok: Heavy rainfall in northern and northeastern Thailand has led to dangerous flash floods, particularly in Wang Nam Khiao, Nakhon Ratchasima, where a woman was swept off her motorcycle and into a canal during her commute.
According to Thai News Agency, Wang Nam Khiao District experienced substantial rainfall, leading to rapid accumulation of water from nearby mountains. The resulting flash floods inundated roads, especially secondary routes to villages, with muddy debris. In Ban Yub Ee Poon, a young woman motorcyclist faced a terrifying ordeal when she was swept into a canal by the strong current. Her rescue was made possible by the timely intervention of a fellow villager, Mr. Ekkarin Kaewla, and another passerby who managed to pull her to safety after she had been struggling for over half an hour.
The situation is equally dire in Mae Hong Son province, where the route to Ban Sao Hin involves numerous stream crossings. Recently, a pickup truck became stranded in the Mae Nga stream due to a sudden flash flood, necessitating a four-hour rescue operation involving tractors. Following the incident, local authorities in Mae Sariang District issued a public warning about the dangers of crossing swollen streams, particularly when the water appears muddy or reddish. Three subdistricts have been designated high-risk areas, with residents advised to remain vigilant for potential flash floods and landslides.
In Chiang Mai's Phrao District, heavy rains caused the Mae Ngat and Mae Kroen streams to overflow, impacting homes and agricultural lands, including rice fields. Although water levels have receded, the area continues to suffer from lingering floodwaters. The district administration is currently assessing damage across 15 affected villages, noting significant agricultural losses, landslides, and necessary evacuations. Despite roads being cleared of landslides, recovery efforts are ongoing to support the residents and restore the damaged infrastructure and farmlands.