Floodwaters Breach Nan City, Economic Zone Submerged 1.5 Meters
Floodwaters have inundated Nan city's economic zone with water levels reaching 1.5 meters in low-lying areas, though authorities expect conditions less severe than the 2568 typhoon-driven disaster if no heavy rain occurs in the next 24 hour
Floodwaters from upstream areas have breached into Nan city, with water levels in the economic zone reaching 1.5 meters. The provincial governor has issued orders for continuous 24-hour monitoring, with early assessments suggesting the current situation will not be as severe as the 2568 flood disaster.
On August 20, reporters documented the ongoing flood situation in Nan province. Water flowing down from the north entered the Nan River before breaching the municipal administrative area, affecting critical economic zones including homes, shops, hotels, and important religious structures such as Phumin Temple. Water levels in most areas are around 50 centimeters, but in low-lying areas near the river—including Tha Chang, Don Kaew, Suan Tanlang, and Don Si Serem villages, as well as Puang Payom and Tha Li—water levels have reached 1.5 meters. Water continues to rise as backflow through drainage pipes persists, causing levels to increase in multiple locations.
As of 7:00 a.m., measurement station N.1 at the Mueang Nan Forestry Office recorded water levels at 8.53 meters, 7 meters above normal bank level and exceeding the municipal barrier level of 8.50 meters. Station N.64 at Pha Khwang measured 9.57 meters, while station N.13A at Pai Ngam in Wiang Sa district recorded 8.14 meters against a normal level of 6.50 meters.
Nan Municipality continues operating three large-capacity pumps at Khlong Chaofah around the clock, each capable of pumping approximately 180 cubic meters per minute, to fight the overflow from the Nan River and rapidly drain water from economic zones and residential areas to minimize impact and damage.
Nan Province Governor Chaiyarong Wongchai stated that the province continues closely monitoring the situation and preparing comprehensive response measures. Although the current event is not expected to be as severe as the 2568 flood, which was influenced by Typhoon Nipa, authorities remain vigilant given the sustained high water levels in the Nan River and continued inflow from upstream areas.
However, if no heavy rainfall occurs over the next 24 hours in upstream areas and Nan province, the situation is expected to gradually ease and water levels will begin to recede. The next 24 hours remain a critical monitoring period. The provincial government urges residents in at-risk areas, particularly in Mueang Nan and Phu Phiang and Wiang Sa districts—the downstream water-receiving zones—to closely monitor official announcements and be prepared to immediately move belongings, vehicles, and vulnerable persons to safe areas if evacuation orders are issued.
