Mae sot: Heavy rains in Mae Sot have caused the Moei River to overflow its banks, leading to an urgent response from local residents and authorities. The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued the highest level of alert for several border districts in Tak province, including the Mae Sot municipal area, due to severe flooding and potential landslides.

According to Thai News Agency, the relentless rainfall over the past few days, particularly last night, has significantly raised water levels in streams and the Moei River. This has resulted in widespread flooding in various areas, especially within Mae Sot. The flooding, which began at approximately 3:00 AM, has prompted residents and businesses to hastily set up sandbag barriers to stave off the encroaching waters. Despite some areas experiencing receding water levels, the threat of further flooding remains high, with the market along the Moei River already submerged.

The situation has forced over 200 vendors to relocate their goods and belongings to higher ground to prevent damage. Although some roads have become impassable, overall traffic continues to flow. Unfortunately, the flooding has also affected pets, with reports of dogs being swept away by the water, their fate presently unknown.

Mayor Kul Kreuawira, alongside municipal executives and council members, has been actively surveying the city's waterways and drainage infrastructure. He has urged residents to remain vigilant as the Mae Sot stream has already overflowed. Efforts to drain the water are ongoing, and the municipality has been proactive in installing drainage systems throughout the year. The situation remains tense as continued rainfall threatens to exacerbate the flooding.

The DDPM has emphasized the maximum alert status, particularly in the Mae Sot and Mae Ramat districts, where the Moei River's rising levels pose an imminent threat. Residents in the affected sub-districts, including Mae Pa, Mae Ku, Maha Wan, Mae Tao, Mae Kasa, Phra That Pha Daeng, and those within the Mae Sot Municipality, are advised to move their belongings and vehicles to higher ground immediately. Vulnerable groups requiring evacuation are urged to contact local authorities without delay for assistance.