Floods, mudslides in North – and more to come

Thirteen districts out of 18 in the northern province of Chiang Rai have been declared disaster areas after flash floods inundated 322 villages,destroyed bridges and caused mudslides in many areas.

Villagers in tambon Mae Jaydee in Wieng Pa Pao district are stranded after mudslides blocked access in and out. Wide areas of farmland are under water and livestock and villagers are being evacuated.

A 10metre section of a bridge linking two large villages in Mae Saruay province has been washed away by floodwater, leaving 700 hilltribe people in 177 households isolated, said district chief Natthawet Rattanasathaphorn.

Overall damage is estimated at Bt24 million from flooding in 66 tambons in 13 districts, with 322 villages affected, said the provincial public safety office.

(The Nation)