CHIANG MAI: At least 20 large pumps will be installed to help drain water from flood-hit Chiang Mai city, the province’s governor Nirat Pongsitthithavorn said on Tuesday.
The governor said he would not wait for floodwater to recede naturally, adding that the water pumps would be installed to help drain it.
If there was no rain for three days, water levels would gradually recede, he said, adding the situation was expected to normalise in one week.
Irrigation Office 1 said that a large amount of runoff from Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng districts had flowed into Muang district. This caused the level of the Ping River to rise by 1-2 centimetres per hour. The level of the Ping River at Nawarat Bridge was measured at 4.56 metres.
Several areas in Muang district have been submerged since the Ping burst its banks and rain hammered the city on Monday. The worst flooding was in tambon Pa-dad in Muang district.
Many schools in Chiang Mai such as Chiang Mai Christian School and Prince Royal’s College School have announced temporary closures until the situation is resolved. Some communities and historical sites are flooded with levels of water varying from 50cm to 1 metre high.
Flash floods also hit agricultural areas, housing and roads in Doi Tao, Chom Thong, San Pa Tong, Hod, Mae Rim, and Muang Chiang Mai districts.
Phunut Thanalaopanich, president of the Thai Hotels Association’s northern chapter, said that hoteliers have seen a 10% drop in bookings in Chiang Mai due to the floods.
He said the flood situation might not have a long-term impact on the area’s tourism as the high season has not yet started.
“Natural disasters are hard to predict, and they happen not only in Chiang Mai but in many provinces now,” Mr Phunut said.
More tourists will come to the northern province during the cold season, starting in November with the peak period being December as they want to experience cold weather, especially in the mountain areas.
Julanit Wangwiwat, chairman of the Chiang Mai Chamber of Commerce, said the government should provide financial aid to help business owners recover from the flood damage before the high season arrives.
Mr Julanit said that many entrepreneurs and businesses have been affected by the floods and their financial losses will be high.
“We need more sustainable solutions to deal with flooding including more effective drainage systems,” he added.