Shorts:Chiang Rai Floodings 2024
Flood Crisis in Chiang Rai: Why is it So Severe This Time?
As of 9:20 PM on September 11, 2024, Chiang Rai, particularly Mae Sai District, is experiencing severe flooding. Heavy rainfall on the Myanmar side has been a major contributing factor. A critical issue, however, is that there are no rain gauge stations in Myanmar, leaving Thailand blind to the amount of rainfall upstream despite being downstream and vulnerable to the floodwaters.
On the Thai side, Mae Sai measured peak water levels at 230 cubic meters per second during the heaviest rainfall. Though rain continues tonight, it's not expected to be as severe as in the past few days. The floodwaters from Mae Sai are flowing toward Myanmar’s Ruak River, eventually merging with the Mekong River. The water then crosses back into Thailand at Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong, before entering Laos at Luang Prabang, and returning to Thailand at Chiang Khan, Loei, where it will continue toward the northeast of Thailand.
Floodwater from Mae Sai takes about 1-2 days to reach Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong. Meanwhile, Chiang Khan doesn’t yet need to worry about the floodwaters from Mae Sai, as it will first face heavy rainfall from Luang Prabang’s storms between September 11-14. Authorities recommend those in Chiang Khan prepare by moving valuables to higher ground. Adding to the complexity, the Xayaburi Dam in Laos has increased its water discharge to 18,000 cubic meters per second.
In Chiang Rai city, the Kok River, originating from Shan State in Myanmar, flows through Mae Ai District in Chiang Mai (which has experienced landslides) before reaching Chiang Rai. The water levels in Chiang Rai are rising by 5 centimeters per hour and are expected to peak between 2-3 AM. The situation should stabilize within 1-2 days, except in low-lying areas, which will need to pump water out.
Looking ahead, Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong must start preparing now for rising water levels. This warning also extends to Chiang Khan. And as we approach September 14-28, meteorologists predict a monsoon trough will pass through the northeast, bringing heavy rains to provinces like Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Loei. Communities in these regions should be on high alert.
Why Was Mae Sai Hit So Hard This Time?
Mae Sai has already experienced 6-7 rounds of flooding this year, but this time was particularly severe. Experts had been issuing warnings about potential heavy rainfall 2-3 days in advance, but there’s speculation that slow response from local authorities exacerbated the situation. While the rainfall was unusually intense, timely actions could have reduced the impact.
Furthermore, there’s frustration regarding the slow emergency response. Even though the state has all the necessary tools and equipment, there seems to be a gap in the skill and preparedness of personnel to effectively deploy them in real-time. As one expert noted, "It’s not just about buying the equipment—you need to train people to use it properly in emergencies."
This flood serves as a reminder of the importance of timely communication between government agencies and the public, as well as the need for better coordination to minimize damage in future crises.
