Residents suffer as floodwaters stagnate in Chiang Mai

CHIANG MAI, Sept 30 (TNA) - Residents in flood-affected areas of northern Thailand are facing hardships as floodwaters begin to stagnate, causing health concerns and significant economic damage.

In Chiang Mai's Saraphi district, several villages have been inundated for nearly a week, with residents reporting foul-smelling water and calling for urgent drainage assistance. A factory on the outskirts of Chiang Mai city has suffered damage estimated at over 10 million baht due to flooded machinery and electrical systems.

The water has been here for 10 days now. Even though it's starting to recede, it will take several more days to dry out completely, said a local resident in Saraphi.

Meanwhile, the Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam in Mae Taeng district has reduced its water discharge to 78 cubic meters per second, causing water levels in the Ping River to rise again. However, officials state this increase remains below critical levels.

As for Mae Kampong village, known for community-based tourism, after a landslide had blocked the road, the path has now been completely cleared and vehicles can pass through. Recently, the electricity authority has replaced several fallen electricity poles before reaching Mae Kampong village, and power supply is expected to be restored today.

In neighboring Lamphun province, the situation is equally dire as flooding enters its seventh day. 

Residents of Wiang Yong sub-district have resorted to setting up tents on roads as local authorities have placed "Flood Zone, Drive Slowly" signs in affected areas for safety. The Kuang River at Tha Nang Bridge in Mueang Lamphun district measured 5.72 meters this morning, 72 centimeters above the critical level.

Officials report that over 2,000 households across five districts in Lamphun province have been affected by the floods. -819 (TNA)