Chiang rai: Water levels from the Mae Sai River that inundated the border community of Mae Sai in Chiang Rai have receded, but have left behind significant damage and affected at least 500 Mae Sai households. However, the damage is not as severe as last year’s major flooding, partly due to the nearly four-kilometer flood barrier constructed by military engineers.

According to Thai News Agency, the flood defense line, built by the Engineer Corps, played a crucial role in mitigating the impact of the floodwaters on the community. The barrier, which stretches for almost four kilometers, helped to manage the water levels and prevent the kind of widespread devastation seen in previous years.

Residents of Mae Sai have expressed relief that the flood barrier was in place, noting that while their homes and properties have suffered damage, the situation could have been much worse. The flood defense line has been credited with saving numerous homes from being completely submerged.

Efforts are now focused on recovery and rebuilding in the affected areas, as the community works to restore normalcy in the aftermath of the flooding. Local authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage and are coordinating with various agencies to provide assistance to those affected.

The success of the flood defense line has sparked discussions on future investments in infrastructure to further safeguard vulnerable communities from natural disasters.