Heavy Rain Warning for Flash Floods and Landslides in Chiang Rai; Villagers Prepare to Evacuate — Some Highways Closed

The Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rain warning for the North from today through Friday. Lowland and foothill areas in Chiang Rai province are particularly at risk of flash floods and landslides. Chiang Rai Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM Chiang Rai) reported that water levels in several tributaries rose rapidly within a few hours after continuous heavy rain overnight into the morning. Authorities have prepared relief equipment and set up temporary evacuation sites in several subdistricts.

Initial surveys in Mae Lao and Mae Sai districts found landslide-prone spots along slopes where forests have been cleared and agricultural plots are interspersed, especially in villages located on steep ridges that have only a single access road. The Department of Rural Roads and the Department of Highways have announced temporary closures on some stretches considered high-risk, such as certain uphill and downhill approaches to elevated villages. Warning signs and metal barriers will be installed to keep vehicles from passing while conditions are unsafe.

Water levels in canals and tributary rivers, including parts of the Kok River, have risen above warning levels, forcing some riverside residents to move valuables and livestock to higher ground. Residents of Huai Plakang subdistrict said heavy rains overnight caused small streams to run rapidly. Several families with elderly members and young children temporarily evacuated to the subdistrict administrative organization’s shelter, where survival kits and plastic sleeping mats have been prepared.

DDPM Chiang Rai, together with district offices and local administrative organizations, convened relevant agencies — police, military, rescue units and volunteers — to prepare short-term emergency response plans. The focus is on early warning: urging residents to follow updates closely, avoid moving items across waterways during heavy rains, and check evacuation routes in advance. Authorities have also readied trucks, medical supplies and flat-bottom boats for flood rescues in low-lying areas.

Impacts on tourism and travel in Chiang Rai are expected to rise, with main routes between mountain districts possibly closed temporarily. Tourists planning visits to nature sites — such as waterfalls and hiking trails — may need to change their itineraries. Some hotels and homestays have advised guests to monitor announcements and refrain from going into risky areas. The provincial tourism office is coordinating with operators to provide safety guidance and to arrange cancellations or postponements when necessary.

Officials stressed that even if rain eases at times, accumulated water can still trigger flash floods, so residents should not be complacent and must follow local authorities’ orders. If water levels rise rapidly or ground fissures appear, report immediately to officials. Local agencies will continue close monitoring and will publish updates through provincial official channels. Authorities also ask the public to help ensure the safety of the elderly and children throughout the heavy rain period.