CHIANG MAI, Oct 1 – The northern province of Chiang Mai has almost returned to normal after floodwater receded and all remaining areas hit by the inundation should dry out this evening, according to Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Preecha Rengsomboonsuk.
Mr Preecha who inspected the flood situation in Chiang Mai said that more than 300 municipality staff had been mobilised for clean up operations in the city of Chiang Mai and to inspect damages from the flood.
He asserted that the flood would not have any impact on the tourism industry in the province.
The water level in the Ping river had already receded below the critical point, he said.
Meanwhile, water levels in Pa Sak river that passes through Phra Nakhon Sri Ayutthaya province had increased by at least 30 cm, causing water from the river to overflow its banks and flood Pa Kho-Asia road at Ban Koh subdistrict of Mueang district for about 500 metres.
A section of the road was submerged under 50-80 cm of water, rendering it inaccessible for small cars.
A flood prevention dyke made of soil piled 1.20 metres high was built on the section of the road but the higher water levels and the strong current of water had broken through the makeshift dyke and flooded a local resident’s home nearby.
Residents of Wasukree subdistrict were worried that the floodwater would eventually rise to 1-2 metres. Therefore, they were preparing to bolster the height of floors in their homes.
They also expressed fear that if the flood was higher than 70 cm to one metres, that they would be forced to abandon their homes to take shelter in a temple.
