Runoff reaches downstream districts of Nan, two killed

Torrential rains have triggered severe flooding in the province of Nan, causing two deaths and forcing residents to seek higher ground. The Interior Ministry has warned people living along the Nan River to move their belongings and bedridden relatives to safe locations. Torrential rains totaling 380 millimeters in some areas began Wednesday morning, leading to flash floods and river overflows.

The floodwater flowed from Pua district southward to Tha Wang Pha, Muang, Phu Phiang, and Wiang Sa districts, eventually reaching the Sirikit dam in Uttaradit province. Two fatalities were reported, one each in Pua and Tha Wang Pha districts. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation urged immediate evacuation to higher and safer ground.

Officials expect water levels to peak at 9.10 meters on Thursday, compared to a previous peak of 9.49 meters. In Phu Phiang district, 17 evacuation shelters have been established, primarily at Buddhist temples, schools, and local auditoriums. Floodwaters have receded in Tha Wang Pha and Pua district but remained low enough for people to leave evacuation centers in Pua on Wednesday evening.

The incident affected 72 villages, with 15 high-voltage poles toppled and 23 leaning along Highway 1256 in Doi Phu Kha National Park, causing a power outage affecting about 27,000 people. Electricity officials are working to restore power, prioritizing hospitals and evacuation centers. Nan governor Chainarong Wongyai reported that sandbags are in place to protect the Nan Hospital, which has its own concrete embankments and generators for three days of power.

An additional field hospital has been set up at the provincial public health office to receive accident and emergency patients.