Flash floods hit Nan province

NAN, Aug 19 (TNA) - Heavy rainfall triggered severe flash floods across Nan province, submerging homes, severing major roads, and prompting local school closures, officials said.

In Pua district, floodwaters rapidly inundated residential areas, rising near first-floor roofs in some neighborhoods and stranding residents. High water levels and damaged bridges rendered key routes, including Highways 101 and 1256, impassable. At least five local schools suspended classes for safety.

Deputy Interior Minister Jeset Thaiseth ordered the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) to establish emergency operations centers and deploy heavy equipment from neighboring provinces. Emergency warnings via Cell Broadcast were dispatched to high-risk areas, including Tha Wang Pha district, as water moving downstream is expected to overflow riverbanks in Nan's capital district by around 50 centimeters.

The Meteorological Department warned of continued heavy to very heavy rain across northern Thailand through Aug. 21, raising risks of further flash floods and landslides in Nan, Phrae, and Phayao provinces.

Nan province has been declared a disaster area to expedite relief funds. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, currently in Australia, directed authorities to ensure proper shelter, food supplies, and swift financial compensation for affected residents. - 819 (TNA)