The body of a bed-ridden patient, identified as Mr. Sinchai, 58, was found floating in floodwaters in Pua district while the body of another unidentified man around 45-50 years of age was likewise recovered from floodwaters in Thawang Pha district.
It was initially reported that four districts have been swamped by raging floodwaters, namely Pua, Thawang Pha, Santisuk, and Mae Charim. Pua is the most severely impacted, with flooding affecting seven subdistricts and 60 villages, inundating 8,000 households.
Currently, military personnel, rescue workers, and support teams from Nan and other provinces are continuously moving in to assist stranded residents and evacuate flood victims to shelters, as well as providing them with food, water, and essential supplies.
Rescuers, travelling on jet skis and carrying rescue equipment, are focusing on helping residents in Thawang Pha district, where floodwaters are rapidly inundating the area. A field kitchen is being set up to help those affected.
Meanwhile, the Nan Irrigation Project forecast that the water level in the Nan river will reach its peak at around 1 a.m, rising to approximately 8.10 metres, which is about 10 centimetres above the bank in Phu Phiang district and about 40 centimetres below the bank in Nan Municipality.
Nan provincial authorities continue to closely monitor the situation as continuous rainfall persists in many areas. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall due to the influence of a monsoon trough during August 19-21.
At approximately 3 p.m. Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat arrived in flood-hit Nan province in his capacity as chairman of the Committee for Flood and Drought Prevention and Mitigation in Northern Thailand. He was accompanied by Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth.
He was briefed on the latest flooding situation by the provincial governor and local government agencies.
Before arriving, he had issued eight urgent measures to the governors of Nan, Phayao, and Lamphun provinces in concretely tackling the flash floods. Among them are sending out accurate early warning via cell broadcasting systems; placing personnel and machinery on 24-hour standby for immediate evacuation and delivery of supplies; establishing command centres and shelters prioritising assistance for vulnerable groups; and collaborating with local agencies under his ministry to assist with relocation, cleanup, and immediate compensation payments after the floodwaters recede.
Jeseth joined officials in a flat-bottomed boat to assist in evacuating residents from high-risk areas. He instructed all officials to closely monitor the situation and prioritise public safety.
“Tonight, we must not be complacent. If any area is at risk, we must evacuate the people immediately. Safety comes first,” he said.
The Thaiseth Foundation will provide initial assistance of 100,000 baht per deceased person
CAPTIONS:
Top, first insert and Front Page: Flash floods raging in Nan province.
Second insert: Deputy Prime Minister-cum-Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yodchanan Wongsawat taking charge of flood rescue operations.
Third insert: Deputy Interior Minister Jeseth Thaiseth rescuing a flood victim. All photos – Naewna
Watch a video posted on X.com by Jomjam (Englot) @surangjojo who wrote: “Severe flooding in Pua district, Nan province. Floodwaters from the forest have surged into Som Tam, already reaching the rooftops, and the rain continues heavily with intermittent lighter spells.”
https://x.com/i/status/2089908893371744587
Also read:
People’s disapproves of new bid to file politically-motivated lese majeste lawsuit
Election commissioners tipped to take risk of jail over senatorial rigging conspiracy
Given ‘blue’ power, Newin would fear nobody: Academic
Thailand and Australia agree to boost strategic partnership in four areas
Canva agrees to boost Thai creators during Anutin’s visit
Anutin, Ekniti hopeful of higher growth despite GDP reaching 1.9% in Q2
Weapon prices climbed 30% during conflict with Cambodia: Minister
A single duty-negligence lawsuit needed to put election commissioners in jail
Thai-US trade talks irrelevant to Cobra Gold military exercise: PM
People’s MP slams Anutin on controlling firearms
Gulf visitor arrivals save Thai tourism from low season disaster
