Thousands Affected as Floods, Landslide Strike Northern Thailand

MAE HON SON, Oct 1 (TNA) - Torrential rain, remnants of storm Bualoi, has triggered widespread flooding and landslides across several provinces in northern Thailand, damaging homes and farmland with authorities confirming one death in Uttaradit province.

In Mae Hong Son, a flash flood and landslide tore through a village in Mae Sariang district, destroying 15 homes. One resident, who lost their house and three motorbikes, said their family barely escaped with their lives.

The provincial deputy governor provided immediate aid and ordered local authorities to fast-track damage assessments to houses and infrastructure, focusing on restoring essential services like roads and bridges. A command centre and hotline are now active in Mae Sariang to coordinate relief efforts.

Heavy overnight rain in Phrae province has triggered flash floods from two major creeks, inundating agricultural land and three villages in the Mueang district. Local authorities deployed staff to help residents move belongings to higher ground. The mayor warned that continuous rainfall poses a high risk of further flooding, urging all residents in at-risk areas to remain vigilant and secure their property.

The situation is critical in Uttaradit, where officials had to evacuate 28 patients from Tron Hospital early this morning after floodwaters rapidly rose over one meter in parts of the facility. Patients were transferred to nearby hospitals, and a temporary field hospital is being set up at the Tron district office. The widespread flooding has led to one flood-related fatality and four people remain missing. -819 (TNA)