Downpour pounds Chiang Mai

Central Chiang Mai under water on Friday morning. (Photos by Cheewin Sattha)

CHIANG MAI - Heavy rain lashed Chiang Mai overnight and continued into the morning, triggering flooding and travel chaos across Muang district.

Floodwater forced several schools to close for the day, including Montford College Primary Section, Regina Coeli College, Wachirawit School and Daroonnimitwittaya Kindergarten.

Several main roads were declared off limits after they were inundated with water up to 50 centimetres deep.

The flood-affected areas also included a road in front of Chiang Mai International Airport, Chang Klan, Charoen Prathet and Sri Ping Muang roads.

Provincial governor Pawin Chamniprasat instructed the Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, the Chiang Mai Municipality and other agencies to inspect flood-ravaged areas, provide needed assistance and keep traffic moving.

The flooding was exacerbated by rain runoff from Doi Suthep and clogged drainage systems in the district which failed to clear the water effectively from inner areas of the city.

Work gangs were deployed to repair the drains this morning.

Mr Pawin said he asked the Chiang Mai-based Regional Irrigation Office 1 to install pumps in affected areas to discharge floodwater into the Ping River.

The municipality was ordered to open a sluice gate in Si Don Chai area to release floodwater, he said. Garbage obstructing watercourses was also being removed.

Residents across the province were advised to keep up to date on the flood situation and make preparations to cope with possible flash flooding. Motorists were advised to take extra caution when travelling.