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Flooding in Chiang Rai, August / September 2014
Thailand's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported on Monday 01 September 2014 that at least 17 provinces have been affected by recent flooding. Six people have been killed and at least 1 person remains missing.

Thai Meteorological Department had warned of the flood threat last week. From 26 August, a low pressure weather system left many areas of the country experiencing heavy rainfall.

DPMD said that the affected provinces are: Mae Hong Son, Lam Pang, Kamphaeng Phet, Kalasin, Buri Ram, Samut Prakan, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Ratchasima, Phetchabun, Loei, Phayao, Nan, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Phichit, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

By late Monday 01 September the flood situation was thought to be easing in many of the provinces, although severe flooding remained in parts of Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai and Phichit. The situation there is likely to remain the same for the next 48 hours or more.

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Chiang Rai - especially the districts of Wiang Chiang Rung and Phaya Mengrai - has been one of the hardest hit, where 11,000 people have been affected by floods over the last week. Flood water up to 80cm deep was reported in some areas.

Levels of the Mekong River in Nong Khai province are also causing concern after prolonged heavy rainfall. Levels rose by around 60 cm in 24 hours between 31 August and 01 September, and now stand at 9.33 metres.

More heavy rainfall has been forecast for this week, especially for northern provinces. Somsak Kaosuwan, the Director of Thailand's National Disaster Warning Center also warned that a low pressure area in the South China Sea may bring storms to some areas.

Rainfall figures (from WMO) for a 24 hour period between 01 to 02 September, 2014

* Phliu Agromet, Chanthaburi Province - 69.2 mm

* Aranyaprathet, Sa Kaeo Province - 84.1 mm

* Khlong Yai, Trat Province - 116.8 mm