Thailand: Flood-related disruptions ongoing across the country as of Sept. 17

Disruptions due to adverse weather are ongoing across Thailand as of Sept. 17. Heavy rainfall in recent weeks, associated with the remnants of Typhoon Yagi and the ongoing monsoon season, has triggered widespread flooding in several regions; northern Thailand is the worst affected.

Flooding is affecting over 30,000 families across 12 provinces. In northern Thailand, authorities have confirmed multiple casualties in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai provinces due to floods and landslides; several people are also missing. Reports indicate that parts of Mae Sai District in Chiang Rai Province were heavily flooded after the Sai River burst its banks Sept. 10; at least 10,000 structures were damaged. Some parts of the district remain underwater; 17 temporary shelters remain operational. Flights at Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) were suspended Sept. 12 due to the severe weather and inundated roads. Authorities evacuated many people along the Mekong River; further evacuations are possible as the water travels downstream.

The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of heavy to very heavy rain across most of the country through at least Sept. 20. Further downpours will likely exacerbate the situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery operations.

Disruptions may persist even after the flooding has subsided as authorities work to clear debris. Localized power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding has impacted utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows will likely render some bridges or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces will cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities will probably temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.