Deputy PM Tours Nan Flood Crisis, Raises Defenses 60cm
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister toured Nan province as severe flooding from heavy rainfall threatens multiple districts. Water levels are rising toward critical thresholds and authorities are deploying pumps and reinforced barriers while urging residents to evacuate and protect belongings. A unified emergency command center has been activated to coordinate round-the-clock response efforts.
Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanan Wongswatsdi and Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangrungkit, together with Deputy Interior Minister Jachai Thai-sahat, visited the N.1 water-monitoring station near Nan city on August 19 to oversee the escalating flood situation. The visit was attended by senior officials from the Irrigation Department and provincial administrators.
Extreme rainfall concentrated in Pua District has caused severe flooding across four districts: Pua, Phu Phiang, Santisukhon, and Tha Wang Pha, with water levels ranging from 50cm to 1.2 metres. The Nan, Pua, Yang, and Khwang rivers have all overflowed, threatening homes and agricultural land.
Minister Suriya ordered 24-hour monitoring and mobilized water pumps—including a 14-inch pump in Muang Nan and three 8-inch pumps in Wiengsa—to accelerate drainage and relief efforts. Current water levels at the N.1 station stand at 7.62 metres, approximately 88cm below the reinforced embankment, but are rising steadily. Officials warn water may breach defenses by 60cm in Muang Nan District between 2:00 and 4:00 on August 20.
Deputy PM Yotchanan announced a unified single-command emergency center operating around the clock, with cabinet approval and full provincial coordination. Residents in high-risk areas are urged to evacuate to safe zones immediately and move valuables at least 60cm high. Emergency alerts have been broadcast via cell phones. The Interior Ministry is preparing rehabilitation plans for affected communities once water levels recede.