At least four people were killed, four injured and hundreds stranded after heavy rains swept through two northern provinces, swelling rivers, submerging residential areas and triggering landslides, Thai authorities said on Wednesday.
Thailand's new Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said the adverse weather followed Typhoon Yagi - Asia's strongest storm this year - which affected about 9,000 households in Thailand. "The water currents are still strong," she told reporters.
The Kok River overflowed its banks causing flooding in Muang district, Chiang Rai, Thailand on Wednesday morning. Photo: Bangkok Post
Flash floods and landslides have killed at least two people in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province, according to the province’s governor. In Mai Sai district in neighboring Chiang Rai province, which borders Myanmar, rubber boats were unable to reach some flooded areas, where hundreds of people were stranded and awaiting rescue, said district governor Narongpol Kid-an.
"Helicopters will be used to evacuate trapped residents and deliver food and water," he told reporters.
A resident in Mae Sai town, which has a population of more than 28,000, said his group of three were trapped on the second floor of a building after rising water engulfed the lower floors.
"We haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning," the resident said. "It's still raining heavily in Mae Sai. We hope the rescue team or someone will come to help us."
Rescuers work amid floods in Chiang Rai province, Thailand, September 11, 2024. Photo: Tubjaotak Task Force
Meanwhile in Laos, many areas in the north of the country have also been affected by floods and landslides as a result of Typhoon Yagi , causing significant damage and leaving many people stranded and severely affected, with Luang Namtha being one of the worst affected areas.
In Luang Namtha, houses were damaged and personal belongings were lost. Many people shared videos and photos on social media platforms, showing people trapped in their homes and taking shelter on rooftops to escape the rising water.
The province is experiencing significant river overflows from major water sources. Rapidly rising water levels have led to widespread flooding, especially in low-lying areas.
Local officials reported that villages, infrastructure and essential services such as roads, telecommunications, electricity and water have been severely disrupted, Lao National Radio reported on Tuesday.
Flooded Luang Prabang city on September 10, 2024. Photo: Laophattana News
Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Xayaboury and Bokeo provinces have also been hit by flooding due to heavy rainfall. In response to the severe flooding, the Lao government is rapidly mobilizing relief efforts to assist affected families.
In addition, people are being urged to come together to support by donating essential goods and supplies to help families in need. The weather agency has warned of the possibility of flooding as heavy rains continue to hit across the country.
According to the Department of Hydrometeorology under the Lao Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Mekong River water level at Luang Prabang reached the warning level of 17.50 meters on Wednesday, close to the danger level of 18 meters.
The Lao government has warned people living along rivers, urging them to quickly move essential belongings and livestock to higher and safer areas, to minimize the risk of casualties or property damage.
Bui Huy (according to Bangkok Post, Laotian Times, THX, Reuters)
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/lu-lut-va-sat-lo-dat-cung-dang-dien-ra-nghiem-trong-o-lao-va-thai-lan-post311828.html
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