Cell Broadcast flood alerts issued for Chiang Rai, Phayao
Rising rivers prompted alerts in Chiang Rai and Phayao, while heavy rain threatens flash floods and landslides across northern Thailand.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) issued Cell Broadcast alerts to at-risk communities in Chiang Rai and Phayao on August 11, warning that rising rivers could overflow and affect riverside and low-lying areas.
The alerts covered communities along the Mae Lao River in Chiang Rai and the Rong Chang River in Phayao. Residents were advised to closely monitor water levels and prepare for possible flooding.
The Office of the National Water Resources Region 1 also forecast heavy to very heavy rain across northern Thailand from August 11–13, with more than 200 millimetres of accumulated rainfall expected in Pai district, Mae Hong Son.
Mae Lao River threatens Chiang Rai communities
The DDPM said the Mae Lao River was continuing to rise and could overflow its banks, affecting riverside communities, areas along tributaries and low-lying land.
Pa O Don Chai and San Sai subdistricts in Mueang Chiang Rai district, together with surrounding areas, were identified as being at particular risk.
Residents were advised to move belongings and vehicles to higher ground, secure valuables and important documents, beware of electric shock and ensure that vulnerable people were properly cared for.
The DDPM worked with mobile network operators AIS, True and NT to send the Cell Broadcast warning to people in the affected areas.
Rong Chang River continues to rise in Phayao
A separate Cell Broadcast alert warned that the Rong Chang River in Phayao was also continuing to rise and could overflow into riverside communities, areas along its tributaries and low-lying land.
The warning covered Bun Koet, Don Si Chum and Dok Kham Tai subdistricts in Dok Kham Tai district, as well as neighbouring communities.
People in the affected areas received the same advice to monitor water levels, move property and vehicles to safer locations, secure valuable items and documents, avoid electrical hazards and assist vulnerable residents.
The alert was distributed through the networks of AIS, True and NT.
Very heavy rain forecast from August 11–13
The Office of the National Water Resources Region 1 identified areas at risk of heavy or very heavy rain during the three-day period.
Orange-level areas are forecast to receive more than 90mm of rain, while yellow-level areas are expected to receive between 35mm and 90mm.
For August 11, the forecast areas are:
Orange level — more than 90mm
- Tak: Umphang
Yellow level — 35–90mm
- Chiang Mai: Omkoi
- Nan: Pua, Tha Wang Pha, Chiang Klang, Santi Suk and Bo Kluea
- Phayao: Pong
- Chiang Rai: Chiang Khong
- Mae Hong Son: Mae Sariang, Mae La Noi and Sop Moei
- Nakhon Sawan: Mae Poen
- Tak: Mae Ramat, Tha Song Yang, Mae Sot and Phop Phra
- Phitsanulok: Nakhon Thai, Chat Trakan and Wat Bot
- Phetchabun: Wang Pong
Chiang Rai and Phayao face very heavy rain on August 12
Very heavy rain is forecast in parts of Chiang Rai and Phayao on August 12.
Orange level — more than 90mm
- Phayao: Chiang Kham and Pong
- Chiang Rai: Mae Chan, Chiang Saen and Mae Sai
Yellow level — 35–90mm
- Chiang Mai: Omkoi
- Lampang: Chae Hom
- Phrae: Song
- Nan: Mueang Nan, Mae Charim, Ban Luang, Pua, Tha Wang Pha, Wiang Sa, Thung Chang, Chiang Klang, Santi Suk, Bo Kluea, Song Khwae, Phu Phiang and Chaloem Phra Kiat
- Phayao: Chun, Chiang Muan and Phu Sang
- Chiang Rai: Mueang Chiang Rai, Chiang Khong, Thoeng, Phaya Mengrai, Mae Fa Luang, Wiang Chiang Rung and Doi Luang
- Mae Hong Son: Mae Sariang
- Tak: Tha Song Yang
Mae Hong Son among highest-risk areas on August 13
The forecast for August 13 places districts in Lampang, Phrae and Mae Hong Son at orange level.
Orange level — more than 90mm
- Lampang: Mae Mo
- Phrae: Long and Nong Muang Khai
- Mae Hong Son: Mueang Mae Hong Son, Pai and Pang Mapha
Yellow level — 35–90mm
- Chiang Mai: Omkoi, Wiang Haeng, Galyani Vadhana, Mueang Chiang Mai, Mae Chaem, Chiang Dao, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Samoeng
- Lampang: Mueang Lampang and Ngow
- Uttaradit: Tha Pla
- Phrae: Mueang Phrae, Rong Kwang, Sung Men and Song
- Nan: Pua, Chiang Klang and Na Muen
- Phayao: Chiang Muan and Pong
- Mae Hong Son: Khun Yuam, Mae Sariang, Mae La Noi and Sop Moei
- Tak: Mae Ramat, Tha Song Yang, Mae Sot, Phop Phra and Umphang
- Phetchabun: Wichian Buri and Nong Phai
- Pai could receive more than 200mm in three days
Pai district in Mae Hong Son was placed at red level for accumulated rainfall from August 11–13, with more than 200mm forecast over the three-day period.
Mueang Mae Hong Son and Pang Mapha districts were placed at orange level, with accumulated rainfall of between 150mm and 200mm expected.
Authorities warned that the rainfall could cause flash floods, landslides and flooding in low-lying areas. People in at-risk communities were urged to continue monitoring official updates.
Emergencies can be reported through the Line account “DDPM 1784 Emergency Reports” at @1784DDPM, or through the 24-hour DDPM hotline on 1784.
