Hanoi (VNA) – The Thai government has declared a disaster zone in Nan province and put two other northern provinces on alert as heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides cut off roads and forced evacuations from high-risk areas.
In Pua district, prolonged heavy rain caused water levels to rise rapidly, while several roads were blocked after bridges were swept away and landslides occurred.
The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation of Thailand issued an emergency warning, urging residents to move belongings to higher ground and evacuate elderly people, patients, and other vulnerable groups to safe places.
The Nan River continues to rise, with the risk of overflowing in some areas. Authorities warned that floodwaters could reach Tha Wang Pha, Mueang Nan and Wiang Sa districts on August 20–21, asking residents in these areas to remain highly vigilant.
Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul continued to monitor the situation from Australia, where he is on an official visit, and ordered all agencies, including the armed forces, to join relief efforts.
Authorities have deployed boats, pumps, specialised vehicles and a KA-32 rescue helicopter to the affected areas, with forces instructed to remain on 24-hour standby.
In addition to Nan, authorities have asked Phayao and Lamphun provinces to urgently prepare response plans for flash floods, runoff from mountainous areas and landslides.
The meteorological agency warned that heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds could persist, increasing the risk of flash floods and rising river levels.
Meanwhile, Cambodia’s authorities have warned residents along the Mekong and Bassac rivers and around Tonle Sap Lake to brace for flooding as water levels at several hydrological stations are rising rapidly.
Local authorities have been asked to prepare personnel, equipment and resources for response and rescue operations.
The Cambodian Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology said that although the country is not directly in the path of Storm Saudel, its circulation will bring rain and strong winds to many areas from August 19 to 29. Coastal provinces including Koh Kong, Preah Sihanouk, Kampot and Kep could experience thunderstorms, gusty winds and widespread rainfall./.
