Chiang Mai strengthens flood protection: New pumps against floods!

Chiang Mai strengthens flood protection: New pumps against floods!

In Chiang Mai, where the Ping River has once again overflowed its banks, locals are watching the rising water levels with concern. In this tense situation, Chiang Mai Governor Thossaphon Phuean-Udom recently inspected the extensive flood protection measures in Chang Khian Municipality. City Life reports that the municipality has installed new large water pumps at the Chang Khian flood gate. This new hydraulic, diesel-powered mobile water pump costs over 10 million baht and can pump out an impressive 1.5 cubic meters of water per second. This increases the total drainage capacity to around six cubic meters per second.

Despite this progress, grim reality has the city firmly in its grip. Local authorities are on alert as the water reached a critical 4.75 meters on Wednesday evening. Sandbag barriers were erected throughout the city and temporary shelters were provided for displaced residents. Thai Times reports that the flood warning particularly applies to residents in low-lying areas, who have been asked to move their belongings to higher ground. In addition, several hospitals have been closed and train services are suspended for the time being, while water levels are up to one meter high in several areas.

Floods and the challenges of infrastructure

Tormented by heavy monsoon rains and persistent flooding, the city is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its location surrounded by mountains and the Ping River. Historically, severe floods such as those in 2011 and more recently occurred in October 2024 and in recent days. Thailand Simple describes the risk of flooding, which increases significantly in the monsoon season, and highlights that the geometry of the catchment causes water to flow rapidly from the steep slopes into the Ping.

Efforts to improve protection are not only necessary, but also urgent. The governor explained that the installation of new drainage pipes at the Chang Khian-Jed Yod intersection is part of a larger plan to optimize water drainage; it is carried out in collaboration with the road construction department and the irrigation department. Those responsible are confident that these measures will significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the event of future heavy rainfall.

Community efforts and long-term solutions

At this critical time, the community shows that it is ready to act. Implementation of these flood mitigation measures could be completed within two weeks, and collaboration between multiple agencies is critical to success. But will this only provide temporary solutions? Experts are already warning about the future challenges of climate change and the double whammy of urban development and extreme weather events.

Looking ahead to the coming months, with September and October considered high-risk periods, it is clear that the city needs to prepare well. Past experiences, combined with current developments, call for a well-coordinated approach to flood prevention that includes both short-term and long-term solutions.

Although the situation in Chiang Mai is tense, the resolve of the community and the authorities remains undiminished. With every drop that can be diverted and every new pump that is installed, the hope for more effective flood management and less suffering for those affected grows.