Mae sariang: The situation in Mae Sariang District, Mae Hong Son Province, remains critical, with access roads to several villages cut off due to landslides. Meanwhile, the Moei River in Mae Sot District, Tak Province, has receded but remains 50 centimeters above its banks, with expectations of normalization by this afternoon.
According to Thai News Agency, Mae Sariang continues to grapple with landslide challenges even after two days of non-stop heavy rainfall have subsided. The Mae H?? Subdistrict has suffered significant damage, with three secondary roads rendered impassable. Utilities including electricity and internet services have been disrupted since August 19th, complicating communication efforts. The Mae H?? Subdistrict Administrative Organization is deploying machinery to clear roads, facing at least 20 landslide points and fallen trees along a 10-kilometer stretch, necessitating both machinery and manual labor for the rescue operations.
Efforts are ongoing to clear Highway 108, connecting Mae Sariang to Chiang Mai, which has experienced landslides and fallen trees and power poles in 35 locations. The Governor of Mae Hong Son has directed officials to inspect high-risk areas due to fully saturated soil, warning of potential further incidents if rains continue. The public has been advised to exercise caution on the route, especially during nighttime, and to reduce speed.
Initial reports indicate that in Mae Sariang District, 6 sub-districts and 53 villages have been impacted, affecting over 23,000 people. One fatality has been reported, with 54 houses and one shop damaged. Additionally, two schools have been affected, and 127 rai of agricultural land has been damaged, with surveys ongoing for a possible total of 500 rai.
In Mae Sot District, the Moei River, which separates the Thai-Myanmar border, overflowed its banks by over a meter, affecting No Man's Land, the Rim Moei market area, and several villages yesterday. Recent updates show a continuous decrease in the water level at the monitoring point near the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge No. 1, though the river remains above bank level.
Market vendors at Rim Moei Market, which was completely flooded, have initiated cleanup efforts. Following the water's retreat, the market was left with debris and thick mud layers. Villagers are using floodwater to remove the mud, preventing it from hardening. Local authorities will deploy water trucks for a large-scale cleaning to facilitate the market's reopening this afternoon.
While border checkpoints were narrowly spared from flooding, Thai and Myanmar tourists have been crossing as usual, maintaining a lively atmosphere. However, downstream areas from Mae Sot, including Mae Ramat and Tha Song Yang districts, are on alert and prepared to manage potential impacts along the riverbanks.
The Meteorological Department has reported that Tropical Storm NARRA, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, is not expected to enter Thailand. However, it is anticipated to strengthen the monsoon trough over northern Thailand, heightening the chance of rain, particularly in the eastern and upper northeastern regions.