Flash Floods Swamp Mae Sot as Moei River Overflows
Heavy rains caused the Moei River to overflow on August 21, flooding Mae Sot in Tak province with water inundating markets and residential areas, prompting mass evacuations along the Thailand-Myanmar border.
Mae Sot in Tak province was hit by flash floods on the morning of 21 August after heavy rain persisted through the night, causing waterways to overflow and flooding communities across Mae Sot Municipality. The Mae Sot Fresh Market and several low-lying residential areas were inundated with 30 to 50 centimetres of water, prompting emergency announcements and evacuations. District officials mobilized the Volunteer Defense Corps and municipal personnel to assist residents in moving belongings and evacuating vulnerable people to safer ground.
Along the Thailand-Myanmar border, the Moei River swelled more than one metre above its banks, with water levels rising by the hour and flooding areas on both sides, including Myawaddy in Myanmar. The Rim Moei Market in Mae Sot was engulfed by floodwaters as traders raced to salvage goods, while long-tail boats navigated strong currents to transport people and pets away from danger. Authorities warned the situation could worsen in the afternoon and issued Cell Broadcast alerts urging residents in Mae Sot and Mae Ramat districts to immediately move belongings, vehicles, and vulnerable family members to higher ground, with instructions to contact local village chiefs or administrative organisations for evacuation assistance.
