CHIANG MAI– The district chief of Mae Chaem, Chiang Mai, has given an update on the flood and landslide in Ban Pang Ung. At least three people have lost their lives, 15 are hurt, and six are missing as teams rush to help and search for survivors.
An emergency centre has been set up, and people living in high-risk zones have been evacuated for their safety.
At approximately 2 am on Wednesday, heavy rain triggered flash floods and a landslide in Ban Pang Ung, Mae Suek sub-district. At least seven homes were damaged. Several people have been reported injured, dead, or missing, and many belongings have been lost.
Teams from various agencies are working together to offer urgent support.
Mr. Kriangsak Boontapun, Mae Chaem’s district chief, confirmed that at least three people have died: one Thai woman and two people from neighbouring countries, including a woman and a young boy.
Among the 15 injured, there are nine men and six women, with two in critical condition, who have been sent to Chom Thong Hospital.
Nine others have moderate injuries and four have minor injuries, with all receiving care at Thepparat Wechchanukul Hospital in Mae Chaem. Six people are still missing, including a 12-year-old girl and five migrant workers. Officials are searching for them and giving help to affected families.
The district chief has instructed the Mae Suek Subdistrict Administration to open a relief centre at the Ban Pang Ung Health Promoting Hospital. People can report loss of houses, vehicles, and pets there. A temporary shelter has been arranged at Ban Pang Ung School for those without a home.
Local organizations are helping by supplying food, clothes, clean water, mosquito repellent, medicine, and mental health support. At the same time, an order is in place for people to leave areas at risk and for residents to stay out of the village for now as rain continues and more landslides could happen.
Teams from the district office, Mae Suek Subdistrict Administration, population health, Thepparat Hospital, Chiang Mai disaster prevention office, Chiang Mai social development and public relations, and the provincial administration have all joined efforts in the area.
Reports from Ban Pang Ung throughout the day show a sombre mood. Locals are searching through wreckage and mud for any belongings that can be saved. The rain keeps falling, adding to the difficulty.
Areas of central Mae Chaem have also seen severe flooding due to steady rainfall since yesterday. Every agency involved has sent staff and resources to support the people and speed up recovery.
