CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Despite some improvement in water levels, parts of Chiang Mai, including Chang Khlan Road, a major economic area and home to several hotels, remain heavily flooded, October 7. Water levels on this road are still around 30-50 centimeters, making it difficult for small vehicles to pass. Tourists heading to the airport must rely on hotel trucks to navigate the flooded streets.
At the Warorot Market (Kad Luang), while water has receded in several areas, the aftermath of the flooding has left behind mud, causing significant damage to homes and shops. Many vendors were unable to move their goods in time, and a large amount of merchandise has been soiled by mud, with estimated damages for some businesses reaching hundreds of thousands of baht. This morning, many shops remained closed, while some owners began cleaning up their stores while the mud was still relatively easy to wash away.
One of the most affected businesses is a long-established clock shop, which also sells electrical appliances. The owner, who has run the shop at Kad Luang for over 30 years, said this is the first time in his 72 years that water has flooded into the shop. He estimates the damage to be around one million baht.
Meanwhile, water levels in the Ping River, as measured at the P.1 station near Nawarat Bridge, have been gradually decreasing, now dropping below 3.80 meters. This has allowed the Chiang Mai Municipality to start major cleaning efforts in the areas where the water has receded. The affected areas include Rattanakosin Bridge to Chedi Khao, Sri Phum to Chedi Khao, Nakornping Bridge to Chedi Khao, and Nawarat Bridge to Kawila Camp, with efforts focused on restoring these areas as quickly as possible. (TNA)
