Thailand: Floods and Landslides - Aug 2024

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation reported that, as of 25 August, flooding continues to impact 37 districts across 5 northern provinces (Chiang Rai, Payao, Nan, Prae, and Petchabun), affecting approximately 80,000 people. Since 16 August, accumulated rainfall has resulted in flooding across 64 districts in 12 provinces. As the runoff moves southwards and more rainfall is expected next week, flood warnings have been issued for several provinces and authorities are closely monitoring the situation. The situation remains within the national capacity and the ongoing relief activities are being led by the provincial governors with support from the central authorities. (OCHA, 26 Aug 2024)

[...], the combined effects of the monsoon and the tropical disturbances caused flooding and flash floods between 16 August - 9 September 2024. The widespread flooding situation extended in 26 provinces (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phayao, Nan, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Prachin Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Rayong, Phuket, Yala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang Nga, Trang, Satun) 119 districts, 532 sub-districts, 2,811 villages. As of 9 September 2024, a total of 82,087 households (approximately 410,435 persons) were affected. A total of 24 deaths (11 flood related deaths in Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, and 13 landslide related deaths in Phuket) and 19 injuries were reported by DDPM Thailand. Currently, the flooding situation persists in 6 provinces (Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya) 15 districts, 93 sub-districts, 422 villages with 13,010 households (estimated about 65,050 persons). (AHA Centre, 10 Sep 2024)

[...], the combined effects of the monsoon and the tropical disturbances caused flooding situations since 16 August. The widespread flooding occurs in 28 provinces (Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Phayao, Nan, Lamphun, Lampang, Phrae, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Loei, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, Prachin Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Rayong, Phuket, Yala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang Nga, Trang, and Satun). As of 16 September 2024 (0600 HRS UTC+7), a total of 133K households have been affected. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Thailand reported 42 deaths (19 flood-related and 23 landslide-related) and 24 injuries. Currently, flooding persists in 7 provinces, including Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Ang Thong, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, with 28,7K households still impacted. As of 16 September, MRC Near Real Time Station shows that Chiang Khan and Nakhon Phanom are at alarm levels, with Nakhon Phanom projected to reach flood levels by 18 September. Chiang Khan is expected to return to normal conditions on 18 September. (AHA Centre, 16 Sep 2024)

[...], as of 18 September, floods, flash floods, and landslides have impacted 30 provinces in Thailand, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, and others, affecting 152 districts and 675 sub-districts. The disaster has affected approximately 141.4K households. There have been 45 fatalities—21 from floods, 1 from a storm, and 23 from landslides—and 24 injuries. Flooding still persists in 10 provinces (Chiang Rai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Nong Khai, Udon Thani, Bueng Kan, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Trang) with 28.7K households. Data collection and validation are ongoing by relevant authorities in Thailand. (AHA Centre, 18 Sep 2024)

In Chiang Rai province, it is reported that approximately 45,329 households were affected. Flooding in Tak province has affected 720 households while in Mae Hong Son, overflow from the Salween River affected at least 78 households. In centrally located Ayutthaya approximately 12,000 households have been impacted. There has been significant damage to road networks, bridges, telecommunications, and electricity across affected provinces. The Education Service Area Office (ESAO) in Chiang Rai reported that 63 schools have been affected, disrupting education for around 5,200 children. In Thailand, to complement the ongoing Government response to address the needs of approximately 68,000 affected children, UNICEF has so far delivered 1,000 hygiene kits, 1,000 baby kits and 1,000 Magic bags which contain educational and recreational materials. (UNICEF, 19 Sep 2024)

According to latest reports from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), 220 districts, 942 sub-districts, 5,004 villages and 181,870 households (including an estimated 87,480 children) have been affected by recent and ongoing floods. 53 fatalities have been reported. In late September, the National Water Resources Agency (NWRA) also warned that rising water levels in dams nationwide would result in additional widespread flooding in low lying areas. (UNICEF, 1 Oct 2024)

Heavy rainfall has been affecting northern Thailand since 4 October, causing floods and the Ping River overflow that resulted in casualties and damage. According to media reports, as of 7 October, 3 people died in Chiang Mai city, Chiang Mai province, and more than 80 people have been evacuated in a dozen shelters due to floods and flash floods. In addition, train transportation was also suspended. In northern-central Thailand, 20 provinces are still flooded, and warnings for flooding have been issued in central provinces due to the release of the Chao Phraya Dam, which is under capacity. (ECHO, 7 Oct 2024)

As of October 7, 2024, extensive flooding caused by a moderate monsoon trough and the southwest monsoon has affected 44 provinces in Thailand, with severe impact in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao and Phitsanulok provinces. The floodwaters have inundated 5,973 villages in 267 districts, directly impacting nearly 800,000 people. To date, 28 people were injured and 52 deaths were reported including those due to flash floods and landslides. The military has deployed helicopters to monitor rising water levels, assess damage, and coordinate relief efforts. Response efforts are ongoing including clean water and relief kits by the authorities, Thai Red Cross and national aid organizations. UNICEF Thailand has provided 1,000 hygiene, baby, and learning kits. ASEAN AHA Centre has delivered 1,500 family kits. Additionally, public health teams have been mobilized to provide essential medical care to over 211,000 people. (OCHA, 7 Oct 2024)

[...] in Thailand, the DDPM has reported that the widespread flooding and landslides caused by the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Cyclone YAGI since week 33 of 2024 have expanded to 45 provinces. These events have affected 253.5K households, with 52 fatalities and 28 injuries. As of 11 October, a total of 15 provinces, including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Tak, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Sukhothai, Udon Thani, Chainat, Singburi, Suphanburi, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, and Nakhon Pathom, remain impacted, affecting 51.9K families. (AHA Centre, 14 Oct 2024)

Heavy rainfall has been affecting the far southern Thailand, in particular the Nakhon Si Thammarat and the Yala provinces in the Malay peninsula since 11 October, causing floods and flash floods that have resulted in casualties and damage. Media report, as of 15 October, three fatalities, of which two in the Phrom Khiri district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province and one more in the Betong district, Yala province. In addition, media also reports six evacuated people, four rescued people and two destroyed houses across both the aforementioned districts. (ECHO, 15 Oct 2024)

[...] the DDPM has reported that the widespread flooding and landslides caused by the Southwest Monsoon and Tropical Cyclone YAGI since week 33 of 2024 have expanded to 47 provinces. These events have affected 256.4K households, with 57 fatalities and 28 injuries. As of 20 October, flooding persists in a total of 5 provinces, (Lamphun, Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya and Nakhon Pathom). A total of 13 districts, 136 sub-districts, 757 villages, and 31,550 households remain affected. Relevant government authorities have carried out necessary actions to address the situation. (AHA Centre, 21 Oct 2024)

At least 51,954 households, including approximate 24,990 children, remain impacted and in need of assistance. DDPM reports that 108 healthcare facilities have been affected and the Government has already provided 249,851 sets of medicine and medical supplies. In addition to health, the Government response continues in distribution of relief items, boxed meals and drinking water. In northern Thailand, 555 schools have been affected, impacting over 19,000 students and prompting teachers to shift to online learning and personally deliver study materials to students' homes. (UNICEF, 23 Oct 2024)