Heavy Rain Floods 1,000 Rai of Rice Fields in Uthai Thani
Mountain runoff from three days of heavy rain has flooded over 1,000 rai of nearly-mature rice fields across three villages in Uthai Thani's Huai Khat District. Farmers face potential total crop loss within a week if water levels rise furth
Uthai Thani — Three days of relentless downpour has triggered mountain runoff that has inundated three villages in Huai Khat District, Thung Sali Subdistrict, Uthai Thani Province. The flooding has submerged rice fields belonging to farmers in villages 3, 6, and 10 of Thung Sali, which are now facing a critical water crisis as floodwaters swallow crops nearing harvest.
On September 19, reporters documented widespread damage affecting more than 1,000 rai of rice paddies. Most of the rice is at the heading stage, just days away from maturity, but some fields are already water-logged to the crop level while others are rapidly approaching the same condition. Farmers are anxious that if rainfall continues, their entire harvest could be lost within a week.
With only 15 days remaining until the rice would reach full maturity and be ready to harvest, any further rise in water level could completely submerge the crop. If floodwaters persist, farmers fear severe damage to yields within as little as seven days.
Currently, farmers can only clear weeds and debris swept into their fields by floodwaters to prevent additional damage from accumulated waste pressing down on the crops.
