Nan floods ease but heavy rain and run-off risks remain
Flooding has eased across most of Nan, but authorities warn that isolated heavy rain and upstream run-off could still threaten downstream areas
- Flooding has eased across most of Nan province, with water levels falling and recovery operations beginning in the three remaining affected districts.
- Despite the improvement, authorities maintain heightened surveillance due to the ongoing risk of isolated heavy rain that could cause new flash floods.
- Disaster officials have warned downstream provinces to prepare for potential run-off flowing from northern catchment areas.
Flooding has eased across most of Nan province, allowing recovery operations to begin, but disaster authorities are maintaining heightened surveillance for heavy rain and upstream run-off.
Chatchadaporn Boonpreeranat, deputy director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), said downstream provinces had been instructed to prepare for water flowing from northern catchment areas.
Authorities were also told to use Cell Broadcast alerts if flooding was expected and to prepare temporary shelters for affected residents.
Nan enters recovery phase
Flooding remained in three Nan districts—Mueang Nan, Phu Phiang and Wiang Sa—covering six subdistricts and 35 villages. Water levels across these areas were falling.
The Nan River’s flow through Nan municipality had dropped to 557 cubic metres per second, against a reported capacity of 1,066 cubic metres per second. The water level was 2.3 metres below the riverbank.
The DDPM and other agencies were restoring roads, homes, public areas and infrastructure. Officials were also assessing damage and arranging assistance for affected residents.
Heavy-rain threat remains
Thailand recorded heavy to very heavy rain between August 18 and 21, particularly across the North and Northeast, causing flash floods, run-off and mudslides in several areas.
Although overall rainfall was expected to ease from August 22–24, isolated heavy rain remained possible across several regions.
The Thai Meteorological Department’s forecast warned of continued thunderstorms and isolated heavy rain, with accumulated rainfall potentially causing flash floods, forest run-off and overflowing waterways.
People living near waterways, mountain slopes and low-lying areas were advised to remain alert.
Downstream provinces ordered to prepare
Provinces downstream of affected catchments were instructed to monitor water levels, position personnel and machinery in high-risk areas and prepare emergency shelters.
If flooding appeared likely, provincial authorities were told to coordinate with the National Disaster Warning Centre to issue Cell Broadcast alerts.
Kanchanaburi was placed under particular surveillance for August 24, despite having no active flooding at the time of the briefing. Authorities were instructed to clear canals and remove obstructions that could impede drainage.
Flooding remains in six provinces
According to the figures cited in the source report, flooding remained across Nan, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Uttaradit and Ubon Ratchathani.
The affected area covered 12 districts, 33 subdistricts and 161 villages. A total of 6,617 households, comprising 19,987 people, were affected.
