CHIANG MAI: The deluge draining off from Muang district has hit downstream Saraphi and Hang Dong districts and is heading for Lamphun province.
As the Ping River subsided to a level in Muang district on Wednesday and relieved residents began cleaning up, people living downstream in Saraphi and then Hang Dong districts were hit with the flood surge on Wednesday evening.
Many areas in both districts were under chest-deep floodwater, including tambon Nong Faek, tambon Nong Phueng and tambon Tha Wang Tan in Saraphi, which adjoins Muang district.
Many households were not prepared to cope with the flash flooding that swept through homes and farm fields. Rescue workers were helping old and bed-ridden residents and delivering food and drinking water to flood-isolated communities.
Officials said that the accelerated flood drainage in Muang district started forcing the water out into downstream areas three days ago. It was now heading for Lamphun province and Doi Tao lake, which connects to the Bhumibol dam in Tak province.