Chiang mai: Heavy rain hit Chiang Mai in the middle of the night, causing flash floods that inundated communities and forced residents to flee their homes. Floodwaters, originating from Doi Suthep, reached chest-high levels in some areas, prompting a frantic rush to save belongings. This morning, as the water began to recede, efforts to clean up the mud commenced.

According to Thai News Agency, the overnight rains lasted nearly two hours, leading to a surge in floodwaters from Doi Suthep down Huai Chang Khian. The rising levels of the irrigation canals resulted in significant flooding in the Chang Khian community, affecting homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. The water level exceeded one meter, leaving residents with little time to protect their property from damage.

The area near the traffic light intersection at the irrigation canal and the entrance to the Chang Khian community experienced severe flooding, with water levels over one meter high, rendering the roads impassable. Many residents required assistance to relocate their motorcycles to higher ground, while others remained stranded in their homes. The slow drainage of the floodwaters was attributed to the full irrigation canal, which impeded the flow from the community.

In addition to the flooding, villagers were warned to be cautious of poisonous insects, such as scorpions, displaced by the rising waters. Residents noted that the floodwaters arrived more swiftly and with greater volume than in previous occurrences. Chiang Mai Deputy Governor Siwakorn Buaphong has been actively monitoring the situation to devise effective drainage strategies.

As the morning progressed, water levels normalized, yet the aftermath of the flooding left a thick layer of mud across the area. Villagers began urgent cleanup operations and requested assistance from authorities for water trucks to help mitigate the impact.