Dramatic flood in Mae Klang Luang: rice harvest in danger!

Dramatic flood in Mae Klang Luang: rice harvest in danger!

The dramatic impact of heavy rains on Doi Inthanon is being felt in Mae Klang Luang today. According to a report by the Nation of Thailand, the rivers have overflowed their banks and caused significant flooding in a very short period of time. The community of Ban Mae Klang Luang in Ban Luang subdistrict, Chom Thong district is particularly affected. Residents had to react quickly as the water gathered in a flash and flooded the streets and houses.

The heavy rainfall is not only a challenge for the local population, but also a direct threat to agriculture, which is the backbone of the community. The rice terraces, which are already close to harvest, are severely affected. These fields not only contribute to food security, but also attract tourists, which puts additional strain on the economic situation. As the Chiang Rai Times reports, the current situation brings back memories of the devastating floods of 2024, which caused significant damage to the region.

Danger of landslides and rising water levels

The persistent rains have also led to landslides that are blocking some roads, making access to various villages difficult. Furthermore, as a direct result of the runoff from Doi Inthanon, the Mae Klang River has been under significant pressure in recent days, with its water levels reaching dangerous levels. On Tuesday morning, the water level in Ban Mae Klang was already at 3,863 meters, not far from the disaster mark of 4.5 meters. In this context, the population is dependent on the help of emergency teams who ensure evacuations.

The promised weather improvements and management of water levels in the region remain urgent, despite the dry weather of just a few weeks ago. The authorities are warning drivers and asking them to be more careful. Emergency shelters have also been set up for the displaced families. Given the economic dependence on tourism and agriculture, saving the affected regions is of the utmost importance.

A look at the challenges in Chiang Mai

These recent events once again shed light on the region's vulnerability to extreme weather events. The city government is working on plans to improve water management, while citizens are actively working with volunteers and authorities to get materials and support to those in need. The economic impact is certainly being felt, and the government has already allocated around 20 billion baht for recovery from the devastation of 2024.

If we look beyond Chiang Mai, we can see that climate change is also raising questions in other parts of the country. Bangkok is also struggling with flooding caused by urban development, land subsidence and rising sea levels. Innovative solutions are being implemented there to address the problem and the need for increased citizen education is emphasized. Coordination between citizens and authorities can increase resilience to natural disasters, as explained on Bangkok Souvenir.

In the meantime, it remains to be seen what further steps the government and the responsible authorities in Chiang Mai will take to protect people from the consequences of nature and get the region back on its feet.