Heavy rains from Typhoon Yagi have caused floods and landslides in northern Thailand, resulting in four deaths and thousands of homes being inundated. The government has mobilized the army to assist affected families, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra stating that aid is being delivered to around 9,000 families in the provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department confirmed the first deaths related to Typhoon Yagi, with two people killed in a landslide in Chiang Mai and two more in Chiang Rai.
The health ministry has deployed medical staff, volunteers, and rescue workers to assist in relocating elderly individuals to safer locations. The Thai meteorological department has also issued warnings of more heavy rains expected until next Tuesday, which could lead to additional flash floods. The department advised residents to remain cautious between September 13 and 17 due to the potential dangers posed by heavy to very heavy rainfall. Thailand’s annual monsoon rains combined with man-made climate change are contributing to more intense weather patterns and an increased risk of destructive floods.
Since the start of the season, a total of 29 individuals have lost their lives due to heavy rain-related disasters, according to the kingdom’s emergency operation center. The government’s efforts to provide aid and support to affected families highlight the ongoing challenges faced by Thailand during the monsoon season. As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable and intense due to climate change, it is essential for authorities and residents to be prepared for potential flooding and landslides. The tragic loss of life and damage to homes and infrastructure underscore the importance of proactive disaster prevention and mitigation measures in the face of natural disasters.
