Health Ministry Deploys Emergency Response as Floods Hit Nan Hospital
Flash floods across Nan province have disrupted transport and forced evacuations, with Somdej Phra Yuphali Hospital opening extra facilities to shelter stranded patients and staff. Authorities are preparing for rising floodwaters expected t
On August 19, Public Health Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary Somruk Chungsaman reported widespread flash flooding and riverbank overflow across Nan province. In Pua district, floodwaters have blocked the main Pua-Chiang Klang road, disrupting northern transport routes and affecting many staff at Somdej Phra Yuphrachahospital. The hospital has opened Building 114 to accommodate discharged patients unable to return home, and staff members are also among the affected. In Sansai district, riverbank overflow has forced residents to evacuate, with some still trapped at Ban Sribun Ruean in Phon subdistrict; rescue operations are ongoing. In Tha Wang Pha district, rapid flash floods have impacted Yom and Chom Phon subdistricts, and residents in vulnerable areas have been evacuated, though local health facilities remain operational.
Floodwaters from upstream areas are expected to continue flowing toward Muang Nan and Wieng Sa districts, with ongoing heavy rainfall forecast through August 21. A mass of water is predicted to enter Nan municipality around 10 p.m. tonight. Nan Hospital has already deployed sandbags along vulnerable areas and prepared water-pumping equipment in case water overflows or enters the facility. Health authorities have been ordered to monitor water levels and emergency transport routes in real time, prepare evacuation plans for patients and vulnerable groups, and confirm backup power, water, oxygen, medicine, and medical supply systems. The Regional Health Office 1 has appointed Deputy Provincial Public Health Officer Aphichit Sathaworwiwat as incident commander for the northern zone covering Pua, Chiang Klang, Tha Wang Pha, Thung Chiang, Bo Kluea, and Phra Kiao districts, with emergency transport from the north to use high-clearance military vehicles via the Bo Kluea-Pua alternate route. Shelter centers have been opened in Pua town hall auditorium, Silapat Community School auditorium, Pua subdistrict municipality auditorium, Wat Pa Muead, the entrance to Ban Don Chai, Wornnakorn subdistrict administration office, and Chom Chang and Ban Siao schools. Muang Nan, Phrae, and Wieng Sa areas are to prepare fully, while other areas must have MERT, mini-MERT, JIT, SEhRT, and MCATT teams ready and reserve emergency funds on hand, prioritizing staff safety.
