Chiang Mai Prepares for Heavy Rain, Activates Eight Pump Stations

Chiang Mai is preparing for heavy rainfall expected between September 17-20, with provincial authorities accelerating installation of eight large water pumps at high-risk locations and mobilizing personnel, machinery, and equipment to handle potential flooding and protect economic zones from severe inundation.

On September 15, Siwakorn Buapong, deputy governor of Chiang Mai Province, chaired a provincial disaster management meeting at the Smart Water Operations Center under the Irrigation Office 1 in Chiang Mai to coordinate water monitoring and disaster preparedness with relevant agencies. The meeting reported that rainfall in the past week had been minimal with no severe water situations in the province. However, the Northern Meteorological Center forecasts increasing rainfall as a high-pressure system and cold air mass begins to affect the northern region. Between September 17-20, general thunderstorms are expected across the north, though not at severe storm level. Chiang Mai is expected to experience the heaviest rainfall on September 17-18.

In preparedness efforts, Chiang Mai Provincial Administration has installed eight large water pumps at high-risk flood zones within economic areas, integrated relevant agencies to prepare personnel, machinery, and equipment for immediate deployment if needed, and conducted continuous training and contingency drills. The province has also promoted community-level hazard monitoring by training and distributing rain gauges to over 200 villages, enabling residents to track rainfall amounts, assess water situation trends, and alert the public early. Data is reported to a central system for rapid analysis and disaster warnings.

Regarding relief, today a committee meeting was held to consider distributing financial assistance to flood victims from four districts—Wianghaeng, Phrao, Mae Ai, and Fang—which have been declared disaster zones. A total of 206 households have submitted applications for aid.

Deputy Governor Siwakorn emphasized that all districts and relevant agencies must conduct rapid damage assessments for homes, agricultural areas, buildings, roads, and bridges so that reconstruction, repairs, and relief payments can be processed quickly to minimize impact on residents' livelihoods.

Beyond immediate flood preparation, Chiang Mai is also prioritizing long-term water management by urging all sectors to use water conservatively and plan water storage reserves for the dry season, especially in areas outside irrigation zones, to ensure adequate water for daily life.