Thailand: Flooding in Chiang Mai province May 19

Event

Heavy downpours hit the northwestern province of Chiang Mai overnight May 18-19, triggering floods and disrupting travel across Muang district. Several main roads in Chiang Mai have been declared off-limits on Friday, May 19, as floodwaters reached 50 cm (20 in) in some places. The main access road to Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) as well as the Chang Klan, Charoen Prathet, and Sri Ping Muang roads were all flooded as of Friday morning.

Emergency responses are underway across the district to facilitate traffic and repair clogged drains, which failed to clear the water effectively from urban areas.

Heavy rain is forecast in the region through at least early June and as such further flooding is likely.

Context

The monsoon (rainy) season spans from April to October, during which time flooding is relatively common. Parts of Bangkok were flooded on May 16-17, with streets inundated and major traffic congestion reported across the city.

Advice

Individuals in Chiang Mai, and Thailand more generally, are advised to monitor weather forecasts and to adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.