CHIANG RAI — Several northern and northeastern provinces remain on high alert Tuesday as rising river levels threaten to exacerbate flooding, with officials warning of potential landslides and flash floods across six regions through Wednesday.

Floodwaters Inundate Sukhothai Town After Sandbag Barrier Fails

Critical Flood Warnings Issued

In Chiang Rai, authorities urged residents along the Kok River to relocate belongings as water levels rose rapidly, with measurements hitting 6.11 meters in Mae Yao and 4.82 meters in Rim Kok—increasing by 5-8 cm per hour. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department warned of imminent overflow into communities like Huai Chom Phu and Doi Hang Wiang by evening.

Further south, Mae Hong Son reported the Pai River breaching its critical level at 3.5 meters, submerging farmland in Pang Moo and Pha Bong. While evacuations were deemed unnecessary, officials noted the flooding arrived unusually early this year, likely influenced by Tropical Storm Wipha.

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— Earth42morrow (@Earth42morrow) July 29, 2025

Northeast Faces Mekong Overflow

In Nakhon Phanom, the Mekong River surged past its 12-meter danger mark, inundating a 5-kilometer stretch of Sawan Chai Kong Road and forcing vendors to evacuate. Meanwhile, Nan province saw receding floodwaters but grappled with mud-clogged roads and landslides in Chaloem Phra Kiat district, prompting travel advisories.

Landslide Risks Heightened

The Department of Mineral Resources flagged Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, and Phrae for potential landslides after 150 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. Cleanup efforts continue in Mae Sai, where the Sai River’s Monday overflow left debris piles, though waters have since retreated.

Heavy Flooding Hits Phayao After Overnight Downpours

With more rain forecast, officials are monitoring vulnerable areas closely, particularly where seasonal floods have arrived weeks ahead of schedule.

-Thailand News (TN)