Severe Flooding Damages Dam in Nan Province
Heavy rainfall breached the Na Lao irrigation dam in Nan Province's Santisuk District on August 19, flooding homes and farmland while authorities evacuate riverside residents to higher ground.
On August 19, Nan Province officials reported severe flooding in Santisuk District following heavy downpours. The Na Lao irrigation dam sustained damage when one wall was breached by powerful currents, also damaging the adjacent road. Authorities have issued warnings for residents to prepare for incoming water.
Heavy and continuous rainfall has caused water levels in multiple streams to overflow their banks, flooding homes, agricultural areas, and some roads, particularly near Ban Pang Chang in Phong Subdistrict. District officials, village heads, local government organizations, disaster prevention staff, and police have surveyed the affected areas and warned riverside residents to move belongings to higher ground and prepare to evacuate to safe areas if conditions worsen. All local authorities have been instructed to remain on alert 24 hours a day.
As of 6 a.m., heavy rain continued, with multiple waterways overflowing and flooding homes and farmland. The Phu Yaeng–Kiew Muang route leading to Muang Nan District was completely submerged, making it impassable. Rescue teams deployed boats to help residents trapped near Ban Si Bun Ruang in Phong Subdistrict, though operations were hampered by strong currents. Additional residents were stranded at Mwab Bridge in Ban Namsoong, Doo Phong Subdistrict; rescue operations were delayed initially due to dangerous currents but were eventually completed safely once water levels dropped.
