CHIANG MAI, Aug 27 (TNA) – Heavy rains have triggered a deadly landslide in northern Thailand, killing at least one person and injuring 12, with five people still missing.
A landslide caused by continuous heavy rainfall struck the village of Pang Ung in the Mae Chaem district of Chiang Mai. The incident, which happened around 3 a.m., buried and severely damaged dozens of homes.
Authorities and local villagers rushed to the scene to assist the injured. So far, one fatality has been confirmed—a 47-year-old woman. A total of 12 people have been injured, with two in critical condition, who were quickly transported to the hospital.
Additionally, five people remain unaccounted for including an 8-year-old girl. Rescue teams are actively searching for the missing, but their efforts are hampered by ongoing rain and the extensive debris.
Flash Floods and Evacuations
In Nan province, soldiers and local officials have evacuated 36 villagers from the at-risk area in the Tha Wang Pha district. The village is located on a steep ridge where a small landslide occurred two weeks prior, and recent heavy rains from Storm Kajiki have created new fissures in the soil, increasing the risk of another, larger landslide. Over 20 families had previously been moved to a local temple for safety.
Heavy rain also caused flooding in the city of Nan, where water levels on some streets reached nearly 50 centimeters. The city’s drainage system, still damaged from last month’s Tropical Storm Wipha, struggled to cope, leading to blockages and slow drainage. The level of the Nan River remains normal.
In Mae Hong Son province, flash floods have swept through the Pha Bong sub-district, with one resident posting dramatic images of the powerful current. The rushing water has forced some residents to seek refuge on the second floor of their homes and has swept away vehicles. Flooding has also made sections of Highway 108 impassable between Khun Yuam district and Mae Hong Son city.
The strong currents also washed away parts of two bridges, cutting off two more key routes in and out of Mae Hong Son city.
Weather Advisory
The Thai Meteorological Department has issued a severe weather warning for Storm Kajiki, which is causing heavy to very heavy rainfall across northern and northeastern Thailand. Provinces including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Tak, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit are at high risk of sudden flash floods and landslides due to the accumulated rainfall. -819 (TNA)
