27-9-2024 (BANGKOK) Chiang Mai, the cultural jewel of Northern Thailand, is grappling with an intensifying flood crisis as runoff from the iconic Doi Suthep mountain has now engulfed parts of Chiang Mai University, further complicating the city’s ongoing battle against rising waters.
Friday morning saw an alarming turn of events as floodwaters cascaded down the forested slopes of Doi Suthep, overwhelming the university campus nestled at its base. Social media platforms were awash with images and videos depicting the extent of the inundation, painting a stark picture of the challenges facing the city.
Kuakul Manasamphansakul, the provincial irrigation chief, attributed the sudden influx to recent heavy rainfall on Doi Suthep, which triggered a significant increase in runoff. The university, located in Muang district, swiftly responded by closing several flooded roads and urging staff and students to relocate vehicles to higher ground. Despite the flooding, officials maintained that access to the campus remained possible.
This latest development compounds the flood situation that has besieged Chiang Mai since Tuesday. The city’s arterial Ping River, while relatively stable, registered a slight increase in water levels. Measurements taken at the Naowarat Bridge showed a depth of 4.23 metres at 9 am, up from 4.19 metres just two hours earlier.
In response to the escalating crisis, Chiang Mai Municipality has raised a red flag alert. Several downtown areas, including the railway station, remain submerged. Authorities have deployed sandbags along the riverbanks in an attempt to reinforce flood defences.
The scale of the disaster is significant, with the local irrigation office estimating approximately 3 million cubic metres of floodwater within the city limits. Mr Manasamphansakul projects that it will take roughly two days to fully drain the affected areas.
Amidst the chaos, Chiang Mai airport continues to operate, advising travellers to access the facility via Highway 11 (the Super Highway) and Nimmanhaemin Road to avoid flooded areas.
The gravity of the situation has prompted a response from the highest levels of government. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is slated to conduct flood inspections in the neighbouring province of Chiang Rai on Friday, followed by a visit to Chiang Mai on Saturday.
